U.S. patent application number 13/898997 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-06 for decorative retaining assembly for a shoelace.
The applicant listed for this patent is J.C. Cleare, Ian Miranda. Invention is credited to J.C. Cleare, Ian Miranda.
Application Number | 20140059819 13/898997 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50185411 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140059819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cleare; J.C. ; et
al. |
March 6, 2014 |
DECORATIVE RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR A SHOELACE
Abstract
A retaining assembly for the shoelaces of a shoe, including at
least one, but more practically, a plurality of retaining members,
each including a base and a retaining structure that serves to
retain a different free end of a shoelace in a secured, stored
position within or on the shoe. Each retaining structure is
dimensioned and configured to pass through a predetermined eyelet
of the shoe, such that a corresponding free end of the shoelace is
retained in the stored position on the interior of the shoe. The
retaining structure further includes an intermediate region
structured to engage the shoelace when the said base is disposed in
an operative position on the shoe. Also, the retaining assembly
preferably includes a display for displaying decorative and/or
informative indicia permanently or removably disposed on the
display area.
Inventors: |
Cleare; J.C.; (Miami,
FL) ; Miranda; Ian; (Miami, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cleare; J.C.
Miranda; Ian |
Miami
Miami |
FL
FL |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50185411 |
Appl. No.: |
13/898997 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61649583 |
May 21, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/712.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0078 20130101;
A43C 11/24 20130101; A43C 7/00 20130101; Y10T 24/3724 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/712.9 |
International
Class: |
A43C 7/00 20060101
A43C007/00 |
Claims
1. An assembly for retaining free ends of a shoelace in a stored
position on a shoe, said assembly comprising: at least one
retaining member including a base comprising an outer face and an
undersurface, said outer face disposed in an exposed orientation
when said base is in an operative position on the shoe, a retaining
structure secured to said base and extending outwardly from said
under surface, said retaining structure including an open interior
and being structured and disposed to engage a correspondingly
disposed portion of the shoe lace within said open interior, and
said retaining structure dimensioned and configured to include a
sufficient length to at least partially extend through an eyelet of
the shoe when said one retaining member is in said operative
position.
2. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said outer face
comprises a display area disposed in an observable orientation when
said one retaining member is in said operative position.
3. An assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said display area is
dimensioned and configured to include indicia disposed thereon.
4. An assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said display area and
said indicia are cooperatively structured to removably dispose said
indicia on said display area.
5. An assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said display area is
defined by at least a majority of a surface area of said outer
face.
6. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining
structure further comprises an intermediate region cooperatively
disposed and dimensioned with a remainder or said retaining
structure to facilitate passage of said retaining structure at
least partially through the eyelet.
7. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said intermediate
region comprises a substantially curvilinear configuration.
8. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said intermediate
region comprises a substantially pointed configuration.
9. An assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said retaining
structure comprises a tapering section configured to at least
partially diverge outwardly from said intermediate region towards
said undersurface.
10. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said retaining
structure comprises a tapering section configured to at least
partially diverge outwardly from said intermediate region towards
said undersurface.
11. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said operative
position is at least partially defined by said undersurface
disposed in confronting relation to the shoe.
12. An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said operative
position is further defined by at least a majority of said
undersurface being disposed in confronting engagement with the
shoe.
13. An assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said operative
position is further defined by said base disposed in overlying,
covering relation to the eyelet.
14. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining
structure and said undersurface collectively define an opening
having a substantially closed peripheral configuration, said
opening dimensioned to receive the shoelace therethrough.
15. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining
structure further comprises an open interior and at least one
retaining finger secured to a remainder of said retaining structure
and extending inwardly into said open interior, into retaining
engagement with a portion of the shoelace disposed therein.
16. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said base further
includes a peripheral flange structure secured thereto and
extending transversely outward from said undersurface.
17. An assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said peripheral
flange comprises a plurality of flange segments disposed in spaced
relation to one another; at least one space disposed between
adjacent ones of said flange segments, said one space being
disposed and dimensioned to receive a portion of a shoelace
therein, when said base is in said operative position.
18. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said operative
position comprises said retaining structure disposed at least
partially through the eyelet, in receiving relation to the
shoelace; said undersurface disposed in confronting relation to an
outer surface of the shoe and in overlying relation to the eyelet
and said outer surface comprising a display area disposed in an
exposed, visually observably orientation relative to an exterior of
the shoe.
19. An assembly for retaining free ends of a shoelace in a stored
position on a shoe, said assembly comprising: a plurality of
retaining members each including a base comprising an outer face
and an undersurface, said outer face disposed in an exposed
orientation when said base in is an operative position on the shoe,
each of said retaining members including a retaining structure
secured to said base and extending outwardly from said
undersurface, said retaining structure including an open interior
disposed to engage and retain a correspondingly disposed portion of
the shoelace within said open interior, each of said retaining
structures dimensioned and configured to include a sufficient
length to at least partially extend through an eyelet of the shoe
when said corresponding retaining member is in said operative
position, at least some of said retaining structured further
comprising an intermediate portion cooperatively disposed with a
remainder of corresponding ones of said retaining structures to
facilitate passage of said corresponding retaining structure at
least partially through the eyelet, and at least some of said
retaining structures further comprising a tapering section
configured to at least partially diverge outwardly from said
intermediate portion towards said undersurface of a corresponding
one of said bases.
20. An assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said operative
position comprises said retaining structure disposed at least
partially through the eyelet, in receiving relation to the
shoelace; said undersurface disposed in confronting relation to an
exterior of the shoe and in overlying relation to the eyelet and
said outer surface of said base comprising a display area disposed
in an exposed, visually observably orientation relative to the
exterior of the shoe.
Description
[0001] The present Non-Provisional patent application claims
priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a currently
pending and prior filed Provisional patent application, namely,
that having Ser. No. 61/649,583 filed on May 21, 2012, the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention is directed to a decorative and utilitarian
retaining assembly structured to maintain a shoelace on a shoe in a
predetermined yet untied, secured and/or stored position. The
retaining assembly one or more retaining members each including a
base having a retaining structure for holding the loose end of a
shoe lace and for operatively positioning the corresponding
retaining member on the shoe. A display area on each base is
disposed to receive and visually display indicia, when the base is
disposed in an operative orientation, wherein the indicia may
provide a decorative appearance to the retaining assembly and
shoe.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] With regard to shoes and footwear generally, a very large
number of shoes involve the use of shoelaces that are "laced" or
which pass through a plurality of eyelets extending along the upper
side portions of the shoe and typically overlying the shoe's
"tongue." Once each shoelace on a shoe has been appropriately
pulled through the various intended eyelets of the shoe, the free
ends of the shoelace are normally pulled upwardly and/or outwardly
in order to adequately tighten the shoe about the wearer's foot.
Once such a tightening or other manipulation is accomplished, the
free ends of the shoelace are conventionally tied into a bow, knot
or other type of joining formation. This joining of the free ends
prevents them from coming free and dangling onto the ground or
other supporting surface. As is common with practically all
individuals who have worn shoes with shoelaces, they tend to become
untied at some point. Walking around with loose or dangling shoe
laces, because of a disconnection of the free ends thereof,
presents potentially dangerous situations such as the wearer of the
shoes tripping over the unconnected free ends. It is also annoying
to many who wear shoes to have to stop, bend over or sit down and
re-tie the free ends of the shoelaces.
[0006] To compound this, the circular cross-sectional shape of many
shoelaces made and sold during current times is thought to add to
the annoying frequency with which shoelaces become untied, loosened
and/or dangle and flop about. This may be in contrast to the "flat"
shoelace styles which are believed to remain tied for longer
periods of time. Regardless, and perhaps because of the nuisance
factor associated with having to tie and untie shoelaces, there is
a growing fad among some in younger generations to simply tighten
their shoelaces to a desired snugness level, while still allowing
the shoe to be pulled off the foot to tie a knot in each shoe lace.
This practice also may involve a cutting of the remainder of the
shoe lace off, rather than tie the free ends together. While this
is one way of addressing the problem of untied shoelaces, the knots
can interfere with the wearer's comfort while walking or using the
shoe depending on where or how they are knotted. Moreover, this way
of addressing the problem does not readily offer a smooth or
consistent look or a polished appearance, particularly when the
knots are visible and/or become frayed.
[0007] The dangers and annoyances of shoe laces that become untied
have also been addressed by several creative devices. Some of these
essentially involve passing both of the free ends of the shoelace
into connected engagement with some type of clamp, bracket or like
structure which attempts to maintain the shoelaces in a joined
orientation. That is, most of the known devices attempt to keep the
free ends of a shoelace joined together so that they do not become
detached from one another. While such devices offer certain
advantages, there are still some problems that arise when they are
used. For instance, one problem or disadvantage is thought to
relate to the reliability of some these known connecting devices.
As another example, some of these known devices can be complicated
in terms of installation or use on a shoe and its shoelaces, and
often require significant manipulation in order to accomplish their
attachment. As perhaps a greater disadvantage, these known devices
are often not readily usable on a repetitive basis. That is,
because the goal of such known devices is to keep the free ends of
a shoelace joined or connected during walking, they may require
time-consuming manipulation to allow a wearer to loosen the
connection with the shoelaces. In turn, this may require the
removal of the shoe or a reverse procedure comprising placing the
shoe on the foot and reconnecting and tightening the shoelaces to a
suitable a degree.
[0008] Also in an effort to address the dangers and irritations
associated with shoelaces that become untied, some have made shoes
with alternatives to shoe laces, such as the use of straps that
rely on Velcro.RTM. connectors to keep the shoe tightened when
desired about the foot or to readily loosen the shoe's fit around
the foot when it is desired to remove them. While these types of
shoes are incredibly helpful for the parents of small children, as
well as the elderly, their primary appeal seems limited to these
two segments of the population.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need in the field of art relating to
shoes and footwear for a new and improved device that addresses the
problem associated with shoelaces becoming untied. If any such
device were created, it would ideally not require each shoe lace on
a shoe to be joined or connected together, but yet would still be
capable of allowing the shoe to be put on and reliably held in
place on a wearer's foot for walking. Such a proposed device would
also allow the shoe to be taken off, without requiring excessive
manipulation by the wearer. If any such device were created, it
would ideally also be capable of enhancing the overall aesthetic
appearance of the shoe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This present invention is intended to address these and
other problems in the field of art. As such, the present invention
is directed to a retaining assembly comprising at least one
retaining member, but more practically, at least two retaining
members. Each retaining member is structured and operatively
disposed to maintain a shoelace in a desired position snugly on the
foot for both walking, but suitable also for taking it on or off.
As such, each retaining member will maintain at least one free end
of the shoelace in a secured, stored position without requiring the
free ends of the shoelace to be tied, knotted or otherwise joined.
In the secured, stored position, the free end(s) of the shoelace is
preferably on or at least partially within the interior of the
shoe, but in a location which does not interfere with the comfort
of the wearer. Each of the one or more retaining members, when
operatively disposed, overcomes the disadvantages associated with
prior art devices that keep the free ends of a shoelace tied or
joined together, and yet at the same time, reduces the possibility
of the free ends becoming undone or detached from the secured
and/or stored position.
[0011] More specifically, the retaining assembly of the present
invention includes at least one preferred embodiment, wherein the
retaining member includes a base having an outer, exposed face or
surface and a substantially oppositely disposed undersurface
portion. Moreover, the outer exposed face or surface may include a
display area. This display area is readily suited for carrying and
displaying any of a wide variety of indicia to offer decorative,
aesthetic and/or informative features to the retaining member and
shoe, as desired to please the wearer in any of variety of
situations. Accordingly, when the retaining member is disposed in
its operative position on a shoe and in retaining relation to a
free end of the shoelace, the display area is disposed in an
exposed, observable orientation, such that any indicia thereon is
readily viewable. The included indicia to be disposed on the
display area may be permanently and/or removably placed thereon.
The ability of the present invention to removably dispose selected
indicia on the display area of the retaining member's base allows a
user, and in particular a younger user or sports fan, to repeatedly
change the indicia on the display area. As a result, the indicia
may assume a variety of different items such as logos, team colors,
identifying names, pictorial representations, coloring, symbols,
rhinestones, sequins, glitter, or a variety of other categories of
indicia which are decorative, informative, symbolic or any
combination thereof.
[0012] In addition, the retaining member, and its base in
particular, can vary in terms of its shape, size and overall
structure. By way of example, the configuration of the base, but
more preferably, the display area which is especially suited for
being readily observable on the shoe, may be structured to be oval,
round, circular, or multi-sided, such as a square, triangle or star
shaped, etc. Moreover, the configuration of the display area may
correspond to or be distinguishable from the configuration of the
peripheral boundaries of the base or at least an exposed outer
surface portion thereof. It should be apparent therefore, that the
ability to form the base of each retaining member into any of a
variety of different configurations may further enhance the overall
decorative characteristics or aesthetic appeal of the retaining
member, as well as the shoe itself. Further, the size,
configuration and overall structure of the base of each of two or
more retaining members, even when mounted on the same footwear, may
intentionally vary from one another and do not have to match.
Moreover, the indicia permanently or removably disposed on the
aforementioned display area of the base may also differ, thereby
increasing the versatility of the retaining assembly of the present
invention.
[0013] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will also
include the retaining member having a retaining structure secured
to and extending outwardly from the undersurface or under portion
of the base. In such a disposition, the retaining structure will be
oppositely disposed to the outer face and display area of the base.
The retaining structure is disposed, dimensioned and configured to
engage and at least partially retain a correspondingly disposed
length, region or zone adjacent and/or corresponding to the free
end of the shoelace. Further, the retaining structure is
dimensioned and configured to pass through a selected eyelet on the
shoe or footwear, it being understood that most shoes have several
eyelets, usually on a top surface thereof, that are normally
provided for the passage of a shoelace therethrough. In one
preferred embodiment, the retaining member is operatively disposed
in overlying, covering relation to an upper, or top, end-most
eyelet, such as the eyelet located closest to the access opening or
mouth of the shoe, through which the foot normally passes.
Naturally, the operative position of each of the retaining members
may vary such that other eyelets may be utilized to accommodate
placement of a retaining member and the corresponding retaining
structure associated therewith.
[0014] In one or more preferred embodiments, the retaining
structure is also dimensioned and configured to include an
intermediate region having a substantially pointed configuration,
to more readily allow at least this portion of the retaining
structure to pass through the selected eyelet of the shoe and to
maintain effective engagement within it or portions of the shoe
surrounding the eyelet, thereby holding the retaining member in a
proper orientation on the shoe, ideally with the display area on
the base situated for being readily observed on the shoe.
[0015] Interconnection between the free end of the shoelace, or at
least a portion or length adjacent to the free end of the shoelace,
and the retaining structure is accomplished by the free end of the
shoelace being received within the retaining structure. The
shoelaces of the shoe are then tightened, so that the shoe will be
snugly fit a wearer's foot during walking, while still allowing the
shoe to be removed from the foot. Next, the retaining member is
moved into the aforementioned operative position by passing the
retaining structure within and at least partially through a
selected eyelet. When so disposed in the operative position, the
length or zone adjacent the free end of the shoelace held within
the retaining structure, as well as the free end itself, will be
disposed on an interior portion of the shoe. When so disposed, any
excess length of the shoelace which might interfere with the
comfort of the wearer in using the shoe, may be removed such as by
cutting. Thereafter, an adequately sized knot or similar
obstructing formation may be formed in the remaining end of the
shoelace. Such a knot or other obstruction should be sufficiently
large to prevent its passage through the retaining structure and
the eyelet in which the retaining structure is received, but not so
large as to cause discomfort to the wearer while walking.
[0016] As set forth above, the retaining structure of the present
invention is dimensioned and configured to pass through a chosen
eyelet on the shoe, in order to dispose the corresponding retaining
member in the operative position. Accordingly, at least one
preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the
retaining structure cooperatively structured and configured with
the undersurface of the base to form a substantially closed and/or
closed loop configuration. Therefore structural configuration of
the retaining structure is such as to form an interior thereof
comprising an opening, channel or passage, having peripheral
boundaries defined by the length of the retaining structure and
possibly the adjacent part of the undersurface of the base to which
the retaining structure is attached. Accordingly, the retained free
end of the shoelace passes through the opening or passage of the
retaining structure and is retained in a secured position by the
formation of a knot or other enlarged formation on the shoelace
end.
[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment, the retaining assembly
of the present invention includes one or more retaining members
having a retaining structure with an open interior and/or passage,
as set forth above. In addition, this embodiment of the retaining
structure also includes a retaining finger or like member. More
specifically, the retaining finger is secured to an inner surface
of the retaining structure and extends into the interior of the
opening or passage which the retaining structure defines and
towards the undersurface of the base. The free end of the shoelace
is received through the opening or passage on the interior of the
retaining structure and will come into abutting and/or retained
engagement with the retaining finger. Therefore, depending upon
overall size of the retaining structure and the interior dimensions
thereof, the free end of the shoelace or a portion of the shoelace
adjacent thereto will abut, wedge against or otherwise come into
retained engagement with the retaining finger. In addition, the
operative position of this additional preferred embodiment of the
retaining member is also generally defined by the base thereof
disposed in overlying relation to a selected eyelet, such that the
display area and any indicia formed thereon is disposed in a
readily observable, exposed orientation.
[0018] In light of the foregoing, it can therefore, be appreciated
that the retaining assembly of the present invention, in the
various preferred embodiments, addresses and overcomes many if not
all of the disadvantages and problems associated with the
conventional tying or knotting of the free ends of the
shoelace.
[0019] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will, however, become clearer when the attached
drawings, as well as the detailed description of the invention in
various embodiments which follows, are taken into
consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a
retaining assembly of the present invention in one embodiment,
illustrating the assembly in an operative position on a shoe of the
type having shoelaces.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of the retaining assembly of the
present invention shown in FIG. 1, and illustrating the base in an
embodiment having an oval configuration.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 4 is an exterior top end view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view in partial cutaway
intended to represent a part of a placement procedure for disposing
an embodiment of a retaining member, as shown in FIG. 1, into an
operative position on a shoe.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view representing an additional
and probable subsequent step in the placement procedure of the
retaining member as represented in FIG. 5
[0027] FIG. 7 is a top view of yet another preferred embodiment of
a retaining member of the retaining assembly of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side end view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.
7.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8,
wherein the base comprises a substantially circular
configuration.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a top end view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 in
retaining relation to a shoelace.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a retaining member
of the retaining assembly according to the present invention in yet
another preferred embodiment and unattached to a shoe or
shoelace.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
11.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a top end view of another embodiment of a
retaining member of the present invention similar to, but
distinguishable from, the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of yet another
preferred embodiment of a retaining member of the retaining
assembly of the present invention unattached to a shoe or
shoelace.
[0035] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] Before any of the embodiments of the present invention are
described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and/or the
components set forth in the following description or to the
illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and or of being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein is the for the purpose of
description and should not be regarding as limiting. The use of the
words "including," "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof
is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents
thereto as well as additional items.
[0037] As shown in the accompanying drawings, but with initial
reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a
retaining assembly, generally indicated as 10, structured for use
on any of a variety of different shoes or laced footwear generally
indicated as 12. At least one, but more practically, at least two
retaining members 14 which individually or collectively define the
retaining assembly 10, is/are removably connected to the shoe 12.
When connected to a shoelace and interconnected with a shoe in the
operative position illustrated in FIG. 1, the retaining member 14
serves to maintain a shoelace 16 and/or more specifically, a free
end 16' thereof, in a secured, stored position.
[0038] The retaining assembly 10 includes at least one retaining
member 14 disposed in an operative position, as is perhaps best
represented in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the retaining
assembly 10 may include, but does not have to in all cases, two
retaining members 14 on a particular shoe, with each retaining
member 14 on one of the free ends of the shoelace of one shoe 12,
wherein each of the retaining members 14 is disposed on opposite
sides of the shoe 12. When so positioned, each retaining member 14
maintains a different one of the two free ends in a secured, stored
position. As such, the free ends of the shoelace associated with a
single shoe 12 of the wearer need not be tied, knotted or otherwise
connected to one another, thereby alleviating the wearer of the
well recognized problems of the free ends of the shoelace 16, 16'
becoming undone or untied. It is recognized that FIGS. 1, 5 and 6
represent only one side of the shoe 12. Accordingly, while only a
single one of the retaining members 14 may be used, it will perhaps
be more common for two retaining members 14 to be concurrently
used, each on an opposite side of the shoe, in order that both free
ends of the shoe lace are maintained in a secured stored position,
as set forth in greater detail hereinafter.
[0039] As shown throughout the various Figures of the drawings,
each of the one or more retaining members 14 comprises a base 18,
which in the illustrated embodiments is in the form of a disk-like
structure. As such, and with initial reference to FIGS. 2-4, the
base 18 includes an outer face or surface 20 and an undersurface
21. The undersurface 21 is oppositely disposed to the outer face
20, as clearly represented. Comparison of the embodiments of FIGS.
1-4 and the additional preferred embodiments, such as those shown
in FIGS. 7-10 clearly indicate that the overall configuration
and/or size of the base 18 of the retaining member 14 may vary. For
instance, as clearly represented in FIGS. 1-4, the base 18 assumes
an oval shape, whereas in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-10,
the base 118 assumes a circular or round shape. Additional
configurations of the base may include, but are not limited to, a
triangle, star, multi-sided configuration, etc. Therefore, the
overall decorative and/or aesthetic features of the retaining
assembly 10, including each of a plurality of differently
dimensioned and configured retaining members 14, can be changed so
as to be distinguishable from one another through a variation in
the shapes, sizes, etc. This is one way in which the inventive
retaining assembly 10 achieves enhancing the appearance of the shoe
12, by use of the retaining member or members 14 thereon.
[0040] Still referring to the embodiment of the retaining member 14
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the outer face 20 of the base 18
preferably includes a display area 20' extending across or over
substantially the entire exposed surface thereof or at least a
significant portion and/or a majority of such outer surface 20, as
is perhaps best shown in FIG. 2. As such, the display area 20' is
sufficiently configured and dimensioned to receive any of a variety
of different categories of indicia, generally indicated as 22,
thereon by use of the word "LOGO". The indicia 22 may be
permanently and/or removably disposed on the display area 20' and
be represented by various words, logos, combinations of words and
logos, pictorial displays, colors, symbols, flags, names, photos,
etc. The present invention is structured to be capable in some
embodiments to have the indicia 22 removably mounted on the display
area 20', as younger generations or other categories of users may
find it appealing to repeatedly change the indicia to suit a
particular situation, such as a sports game, concert, parade,
party, environment or "fad." However, the indicia 22 may also be
permanently disposed on the display area 20, such as by including a
particular type of sports team's symbol or logo, which as
represented in FIG. 1, is the symbol 22' of a New York baseball
team.
[0041] Still referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the
retaining member 14 further includes a retaining structure,
generally indicated as 28 and best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As
shown, the retaining structure 28 is secured to and extends
outwardly from the undersurface 21 of the base 14. The retaining
structure 28 forms a substantially closed configuration or closed
loop or closed loop segment and will preferably be formed from a
rigid material, whether a metal or metallic like material, or a
semi-rigid material such as plastic(s) and the like, or if desired,
an at least partially flexible material. Regardless of the material
from which the retaining structure 28 is formed, it is preferred
that the opposite ends thereof, as at 28', are fixedly or
permanently secured to the undersurface 21 of the retaining member
14. The substantially closed configuration of the retaining member
14, as set forth above, may be at least partially defined by an
interior surface 21', which corresponds to or itself is defined by
a portion of the undersurface 21. The retaining structure also
includes and an open interior 30, which may serve as a passage or
opening for receiving one of the free ends of the shoe lace there
through, as described in greater detail hereinafter. The opening,
passage or open interior 30 is peripherally bounded by the length
of the retaining structure 28 and in the embodiment represented in
FIGS. 2-4 also by the undersurface portion 21'. However, in one or
more additional embodiments the retaining structure 28 may comprise
a continuous or fully closed loop, wherein the surface 21' is not a
part of the closed configuration described above.
[0042] Also one or more additional embodiments of the retaining
member 14 may include an intermediate portion or region 80 that is
formed to have a substantially pointed configuration, as is best
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and also in FIGS. 11 and 12. It should be
readily appreciated, however, that the retaining structure 28 of
the inventive retaining member 14 is capable of other embodiments,
such as is illustrated in FIG. 13. For exemplary purposes, there is
shown in FIG. 13 a retaining structure 28 having a generally
semi-circular closed loop segment, including undersurface portion
21', with opposite ends 28' permanently or fixedly attached to the
corresponding undersurface 21 of base 18, and defining the
boundaries of the passage or open interior 30. Moreover, in the
embodiment of FIG. 13 an intermediate portion 80' includes a
substantially curvilinear configuration.
[0043] Accordingly, one feature of the retaining structure is it
being dimensioned and configured especially, but not exclusively,
in the area of the intermediate zone 80, 280, etc., to facilitate
the passage or disposition of the retaining structure 28, 128, 228,
etc. at least partially through a selected one of the eyelets 32
and into the operative position, as described herein. Therefore, as
represented in the accompanying Figures, the intermediate portions
may be substantially pointed, rounded or curvilinear or otherwise
appropriately shaped to facilitate the entry and passage of the
corresponding retaining structure into an eyelet.
[0044] Accordingly, retaining member 14 of the present invention is
structured to be disposed in an operative position, such as
illustrated in FIG. 1. More specifically, the retaining structure
28 of the retaining member 14 is dimensioned and configured to be
received in and/or pass through any one of a plurality of eyelets
32 formed along the opening 34 of the upper of the shoe 12, which
are shown in FIG. 1. While the retaining structure 28 may pass
through any one of the eyelets 32, it is contemplated that the
retaining member 14 will more practically assume the illustrated
position of FIG. 1, with the retaining member 14 disposed within
and into the top or end-most eyelet 32' (also shown in FIG. 4), in
order to better retain the free end 16' of the shoelace 16 in a
preferred stored position. Also, and as represented in FIGS. 5 and
6, which will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the top
or endmost eyelet 32' is that eyelet which is normally located
closest to the access opening 38 of the shoe 12, through which the
foot of the wearer passes when entering the interior of the shoe
12.
[0045] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, at least partially, one method of
disposing the retaining member 14 in the intended operative
position of FIG. 1. It should be noted however, that in most cases,
but perhaps not all, the shoe 12 will have the shoelaces already
laced in the traditional manner through various eyelets 32
extending along the front of the shoe 12. Also, while the method is
described with reference to a single retaining member 14,
substantially the same procedure is applicable to the operative
positioning of each of the retaining members 14. Referring now to
FIG. 5, in utilizing the present invention, the method of applying
the retaining member 14 involves passing the free end 16' of a
shoelace 16 from an interior of the shoe 12 outwardly through a
selected eyelet, and ideally, the top or end-most eyelet 32'. Next,
with reference now to FIG. 6, the exteriorly exposed free end 16'
is passed through the open interior 30 which comprises a channel or
passage defined by the retaining structure 28. The free end 16' is
then passed back through the same selected eyelet 32'. For purposes
of clarity the illustration, the retaining member 14 and its
retaining structure 28 are not shown in order to adequately
represent the path of travel of the free end 16' in properly
attaching the retaining member 14 in the proper operative
position.
[0046] Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, but also to FIG. 1, the
free end 16' of the shoelace 16 first passes underneath the shoe's
upper periphery 35 as at the flap 35' or portions 34 or 34', which
are adjacent the position of the top or end-most eyelet 32'. As
noted previously herein, the shoelace 16 will in most cases already
be pulled through other eyelets 32 in the shoe 12 and will extend
across the tongue of the shoe 12 from an eyelet located on the
opposite side of the tongue (not shown). Once beneath the upper
periphery 35 of the shoe, as at the flap 35' or portions 34 or 34',
the free end 16' of the shoelace 16 passes out through the selected
eyelet, as at 32' as set forth above. Once the free end 16' passes
through the open interior 30 defined by the retaining structure 28,
it then passes back through the selected eyelet 32' into the
interior of the shoe 12. When the free end 16' is so disposed on
the interior of the shoe 12, a pulling force can be exerted thereon
which will draw the retaining structure 28 into the interior of the
shoe 12 through the selected eyelet 32'. As such, the free end 16'
of the shoelace will be at least partially, if not fully retained
within the shoe 12, and further, the undersurface 21 of the
retaining member's base 18 will be disposed in substantially
confronting, overlying relation to the outer surface of the flap
35' or portions 34 and 34' and in covering relation to the selected
eyelet 32', as is perhaps best shown in FIG. 1. As should be
apparent from a review of all the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, the confronting, overlying relation of the
undersurface of the base to the outer surface of the shoe 12 and/or
selected eyelet 32 may include a direct engagement there between
and/or a facing, at least partially spaced orientation of the
undersurface of the base relative to the outer surface of the shoe
12 and/or eyelet 32.
[0047] Should there be an excessively long free end 16'' on the
free end section 16' of the shoe lace being stored in the interior
of the shoe 12, this may be cut or otherwise separated from the
remainder of the shoelace 16, so as to allow for greater comfort
and/or better efficiency in maintaining the free end 16' (and/or
retaining member 14) in the operative position shown in FIG. 1, but
as also represented in FIG. 4. After removal of the excessive
length 16'', the remaining free end 16' of the shoelace 16 may be
formed into a knot or other obstructing formation 19. The knot or
obstruction 19 should be of sufficient dimension to prevent or
significantly limit the possibility of it passing back through the
interior 30 of the retaining structure 28 and/or out through the
selected eyelet 32'. As such, the remaining free end 16' of the
shoelace 16 will be maintained in a secured, stored position on the
interior of the shoe 12.
[0048] As also represented in FIG. 4, one advantage of positioning
the retaining structure 28 into and through a selected eyelet, such
as 32', is the positioning of the retaining member's base 18 in a
substantially "flat" orientation on the outer surface of the shoe
12. This preferred flat or substantially flat orientation may, more
specifically, be defined by the undersurface 21 being disposed in
substantially confronting relation to the outer surface 34 or 35 of
the shoe 12 and/or in confronting engagement therewith. The flat
orientation of the base 18, as described above, is believed to
further enhance the overall appearance of the retaining assembly
10, as well as the shoe 12, when the retaining member(s) 14 are in
the aforementioned operative position of FIGS. 1 and 4.
[0049] As has been noted above, in certain preferred embodiments
such as are illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 and also in FIGS. 11-12, the
retaining structure 28 comprises an elongated, closed or
substantially closed loop with an intermediate, substantially
pointed configuration. From the foregoing description relative to
FIGS. 5 and 6 and with further reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 as well
as the method of disposing the retaining member 14 in the intended
operative position, it can be appreciated that the retaining
structure 28 having an intermediate portion 80 or 280 which is
substantially pointed may be preferred for some applications.
Moreover, while other configurations of the intermediate portion
are functional, the substantially pointed configuration may be
preferred because it significantly aids in both retaining the free
end 16' of the shoelace within the interior of the shoe 12, and in
maintaining the proper orientation of the retaining member 14 on
the shoe. This is because all, nearly all, or at least a portion of
the intermediate pointed configuration of the retaining structure
28 facilitates its passage into the selected eyelet, such as 32',
depending upon the diameter of same, while simultaneously engaging
the shoelace and holding it in position with the pointed tip
thereof. Further, because the retaining structure 28 tapers
outwardly, away from the intermediate pointed configuration and
down towards the undersurface 21 of the base 18, all or part of
this tapering section of retaining structure 18 can also be pushed
into the eyelet 32' and thereby, to be snugly fitted within eyelet
32' such that some gripping action or slight frictional tension
exists there-between which helps to maintain the retaining member
14 in the desired orientation on the shoe 12 for viewing of the
display area 20'.
[0050] With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated
yet another preferred embodiment of a retaining assembly according
to the present invention, which is generally indicated as 210. The
retaining assembly 210 varies in structure and appearance somewhat
from the retaining assembly 10 described previously with reference
to FIGS. 1 through 4, but the function and installation features
thereof are similar to or substantially equivalent. More
specifically, in this additional preferred embodiment, the
retaining assembly 210 also includes at least one retaining member
214, but more practically, two retaining members 214, disposable in
an operative position on a shoe 12, as has been shown in FIG. 1 and
described above. In addition, each of the one or more retaining
members 214 comprises a base 218, which is also preferably in the
form of a disk-like structure. As such, the base 218 includes an
outer face or surface 220 and an under surface 221. The under
surface 221 is oppositely disposed to the outer face 220, as is
perhaps best represented in FIG. 12. As with the above described
preferred embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 through 4, the
retaining assembly 210 and more specifically, each of the one or
more retaining members 214, may vary in size, configuration, etc.
As such, any of a plurality of distinctive, decorative features may
be provided in order to enhance the appearance of the shoe 12 to a
wearer's particular taste, desires, or needs for any given
occasion. That is, and referring now to FIG. 12 in particular, in
this additional preferred embodiment the retaining member 214
includes a display area 220' on the outer face 220, which is
similar in purpose, function and structure to the display area 20'
of the embodiment illustrated in and described relative to FIGS.
1-4. As such, the display area 220' is sufficiently configured and
dimensioned to either fixedly receive or to removably receive any
of a variety of different categories of indicia thereon, whether a
logo affiliate with a particular sports team, university, school,
flag, product, etc.
[0051] Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, this additional
preferred embodiment of the retaining assembly 210 is seen to
include a retaining structure generally indicated as 228. The
retaining structure 228 is also secured to and extends outwardly
from the undersurface 221 of the base 218. Ideally, and as shown in
these drawings, the retaining structure 228 includes an elongated
fully closed configuration or substantially closed loop or
configuration when considered with the corresponding or contiguous
portion of the undersurface 221. Also, an intermediate region 280
preferably includes a substantially pointed configuration.
Furthermore, and as described above, relative to the embodiment of
FIGS. 2-4, the retaining structure 228 may be formed from either a
rigid, semi-rigid or at least partially flexible material.
Regardless of the material from which the retaining structure 228
is formed, it is preferred that the opposite ends thereof, as at
228', are fixedly or permanently secured to the under surface 221.
The retaining member 214 includes an interior surface 221'
corresponding to a portion of the undersurface 221, and an open
interior 230 or passage as defined by the legs of the retaining
structure 228.
[0052] Moreover, the retaining structure 228 is dimensioned and
configured to be received in and/or pass through any one of a
plurality of eyelets 32 formed along the opening 34 on the upper
portion of a shoe 12, but most practically, in the top or end-most
eyelet 32' as has been described previously. That is, and as can be
appreciated from the drawings, and FIG. 11 in particular, that the
legs of the retaining structure 228 begin to taper or diverge
outwardly as at 229, adjacent the intermediate region 280 with its
pointed configuration, and down towards the undersurface 221 of the
base 218. Ideally, all or part of this tapering section of the
retaining structure 228 is structured to be snugly fitted within
the eyelet 32' of a shoe 12, and thereby, to help maintain the
desired orientation of the retaining member 214 on the shoe 12.
When so located, and as has been described with reference to FIGS.
5 and 6 previously, the retaining member 214 is disposed to retain
the free end 16' of the shoelace 16 in a preferred, stored
orientation.
[0053] One distinguishing structural feature included in the
additional preferred embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 is the provision
of a peripheral flange or skirt, as is generally indicated at 250
in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the peripheral flange or skirt 250
may be more specifically defined by plurality of spaced apart skirt
or flange segments 252. Each of the segments 252 extends
transversely upwards and/or outwardly from the inner surface 221 so
as to be disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to the
retaining structure 228. The relative sizes of the skirt or flange
segments 252 as compared to the retaining structure 228 is such
that at least a portion of the legs, as at 229, including the
intermediate region 280 with its substantially pointed
configuration, may protrude above and/or beyond the outer
peripheries 252' of the flange segments 252, as best represented in
FIG. 12.
[0054] Referring again to FIG. 11, additional structural features
of the additional preferred embodiment represented in FIGS. 11 and
12 include the provision of at least one, but preferably two,
opposed spaces 260 which collectively serve to separate the
plurality of skirt or flange segments 252 from one another. These
spaces 260 are ideally disposed, dimensioned and configured to
facilitate the passage there-through or placement therein of at
least a portion of a shoelace 16. Also, the plurality of spaces 260
may facilitate the mounting or positioning of the one or more
retaining members 214 in the operative position, as demonstrated in
FIG. 1, on the shoe 12. As explained previously herein with
specific reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, both the embodiments of the
retaining assembly 10 and the additional preferred embodiment 210
may be disposed in the illustrated operative position in
substantially the same manner. Accordingly it is emphasized that
the procedure demonstrated and described with reference to FIGS.
4-6 for disposing each of one or more retaining members 14 in the
intended operative position of FIG. 1 is substantially the same as
applied to the operative positioning of the retaining members
214.
[0055] With reference now to FIG. 14, the retaining member 214 is
shown to have a retaining structure 228 in an alternative
embodiment, similar to that shown in FIG. 13. Here as well, the
retaining structure 228 shares all or nearly all of the features
and characteristics that have been described previously herein
relative to FIGS. 11 and 12. However, the retaining structure 228
shown in FIG. 14 includes a generally semi-circular loop segment
between opposite ends 228' which as before, are permanently or
fixedly attached to the corresponding undersurface 21 of base 18,
and define the boundaries of the open interior 230 or passageway
for the shoelace 16.
[0056] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, there is shown yet another
embodiment of a retaining assembly in accordance with the present
invention. Here, the retaining assembly 110 comprises a retaining
member 114' having a base 118' and an outer face 120 oppositely
disposed to an undersurface 121. As represented in FIG. 9, the base
118' includes a display area 120' on the outer face 120 which is
structured to permanently or removably receive appropriate indicia
122 thereon, similar to the indicia 22 represented in the preferred
embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and described previously. Also in this
embodiment, each of the plurality of retaining members 114' further
include a retaining structure, as generally indicated at 128 in
FIGS. 7 and 8. However, in this embodiment each retaining structure
128 comprises a partially closed or substantially closed interior
130, as is best shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, a retaining finger 135
is secured to an inner surface portion of the retaining structure
128 and extends into the interior 130 towards the correspondingly
disposed undersurface 121'. As such, the retaining finger 135 is
disposable into abutting, wedging or interruptive engagement with a
shoelace 116 as shown in FIG. 10, and more specifically, a free end
portion 116' of the shoelace 116. Engagement of the shoelace 116
and/or the free end 116' thereof with retaining finger 135 will
serve to prevent inadvertent removal of the shoelace 116, 116' from
the interior 130 of the retaining structure 128. This, in turn,
will assure that the shoelace 116 and/or free end 116' is
maintained in a secure, stored position as schematically
represented in FIG. 10.
[0057] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0058] Now that the invention has been described,
* * * * *