U.S. patent application number 14/553150 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-09 for footwear securing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Reginald Senegal. Invention is credited to Reginald Senegal.
Application Number | 20150096193 14/553150 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52775784 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150096193 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Senegal; Reginald |
April 9, 2015 |
FOOTWEAR SECURING SYSTEM
Abstract
Devices for adjusting the fit of footwear, the devices including
a lace receiver configured to frictionally receive a resilient lace
and to restrict passage of the resilient lace through the lace
receiver, and a latch coupled to the lace receiver and configured
to releasingly couple with the resilient lace, wherein coupling the
latch to the resilient lace tensions the resilient lace and pulls a
first retaining flap of the footwear toward a second retaining flap
of the footwear. In some examples, the device is configured to
adjust the fit of apparel.
Inventors: |
Senegal; Reginald;
(Portland, OR) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Senegal; Reginald |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52775784 |
Appl. No.: |
14/553150 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13970426 |
Aug 19, 2013 |
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14553150 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/08 20130101;
A43C 1/003 20130101; A43C 11/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/51 |
International
Class: |
A43C 11/00 20060101
A43C011/00; A43C 9/00 20060101 A43C009/00 |
Claims
1. A device for adjusting the fit of footwear, the footwear
including a first retaining flap spaced from a second retaining
flap across a wearer's instep and a resilient lace operatively
coupled to the first retaining flap, the device comprising: a lace
receiver configured to frictionally receive the resilient lace and
to restrict passage of the resilient lace through the lace
receiver; and a latch coupled to the lace receiver and configured
to releasingly couple with the resilient lace; wherein coupling the
latch to the resilient lace tensions the resilient lace and pulls
the first retaining flap toward the second retaining flap.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first retaining flap and the
second retaining flap each comprise an array of eyelets through
which the resilient lace is threaded.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein: the resilient lace defines a
first resilient lace; the lace receiver defines a first lace
receiver configured to frictionally receive the first resilient
lace and to restrict passage of the first resilient lace through
the first lace receiver; the device further comprising: a second
lace receiver configured to frictionally receive the second
resilient lace and to restrict passage of the second resilient lace
through the second lace receiver; and a second latch configured to
releasingly couple with a second resilient lace to tension the
second resilient lace and pull the first retaining flap toward the
second retaining flap.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch defines a hook with a
hook opening to receive the resilient lace to couple the latch to
the resilient lace.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the hook curls upward proximate
the hook opening to retain the resilient lace within the hook.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein: the resilient lace includes: end
caps disposed at terminal ends of the resilient lace; and a string
portion extending between the ends caps; the lace receiver is
configured to frictionally receive the string portion of the
resilient lace and to restrict passage of the string portion of the
resilient lace through the lace receiver.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the lace receiver comprises three
lace receiving members of which two outer lace receiving members
each comprise a gripping portion having arrays of teeth to
frictionally receive the resilient lace and a center lace receiving
member having a smooth interior surface.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the lace receiver comprises at
least two lace receiving members defining channels that are aligned
with the longitudinal axis of the device, the lace receiving
members each further defined by: a first surface proximate the
latch and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device; a
second surface opposite the first surface and distal the latch, the
second surface being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the
device; and a third surface extending between the first surface and
the second surface and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the
device.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein a first lace receiving member of
the lace receiving members comprises a protrusion proximate the
second surface and extending into the channel of the first lace
receiving member.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the channels defined by the lace
receiving members are tapered to further guide the resilient lace
towards the arrays of teeth and wedge the resilient lace within the
arrays of teeth of the lace receiving members.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the arrays of teeth are pointed
away from the latch and correspondingly away from where the
resilient lace is introduced into the lace receiving members.
12. A device for adjusting the fit of an apparel item, the apparel
item including a first portion defining a first eyelet, a second
portion spaced from the first portion and defining a second eyelet,
and a resilient lace routed through the first eyelet and the second
eyelet, the device comprising: a lace receiver configured to
frictionally receive the resilient lace and to restrict passage of
the resilient lace through the lace receiver; and a latch coupled
to the lace receiver and configured to releasingly couple with the
resilient lace; wherein coupling the latch to the resilient lace
tensions the resilient lace and pulls the first portion toward the
second portion.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the lace receiver defines a
channel and the channel is configured to frictionally receive the
resilient lace and to restrict passage of the resilient lace
through the channel.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the lace receiver comprises at
least two lace receiving members defining channels that are aligned
with the longitudinal axis of the device, the lace receiving
members each including: a first surface proximate the latch and
transverse to a longitudinal axis of the device; a second surface
opposite the first surface and distal the latch, the second surface
being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device; and a
third surface extending between the first surface and the second
surface and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein a first lace receiving member
of the lace receiving members comprises a protrusion proximate the
second surface and extending into the channel of the first lace
receiving member.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein the channels defined by lace
receiving members are tapered to guide the resilient lace towards
the arrays of teeth and wedge the resilient lace within the arrays
of teeth of the lace receiving members.
17. The device of claim 12, wherein the lace receiver comprises
three lace receiving members of which two outer lace receiving
members comprise a gripping portion having arrays of teeth to
frictionally receive the resilient lace and a center lace receiving
member has a smooth interior surface.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the arrays of teeth are pointed
away from the latch and correspondingly away from where the
resilient lace is introduced into the lace receiving members.
19. The device of claim 12, wherein the latch defines a hook with a
hook opening to receive the resilient lace to couple the latch to
the resilient lace.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein the hook curls upward proximate
the hook opening to retain the resilient lace within the hook.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to copending U.S.
application Ser. No. 61/684,249, filed on Aug. 17, 2012, and Ser.
No. 13/970,426, filed on Aug. 19, 2013, which is hereby
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to footwear adjustment
systems. In particular, this disclosure relates to footwear
adjustment systems that include features that obviate the need for
the traditional shoe lacing and tying process.
[0003] Footwear adjustment mechanisms have long been dominated by
the familiar lace and eyelet system. In these systems, users must
go through the tedious process of initially routing laces through
series of opposed eyelets positioned around a user's inserted foot
and then repeatedly securing the laces by tying opposing ends of
the lace into a bow.
[0004] While this process provides familiarity, it has many
shortcomings that alternative footwear adjustment systems can
improve upon. For example, securing footwear typically involves the
multi-step process of tying opposing ends of a lace together to
form a bow. Even when properly tied, the bows formed by tying
shoelaces are often prone to loosening or disengaging through
common use. This leaves users' footwear unsecure, thereby leaving
wearers more prone to injury.
[0005] Further, unsecured laces may pose additional risk to users,
such as by serving as trip hazards (or as instigators of injurious
escalator or moving walkway incidents). Further, traditional
methods' tightening process is time consuming. Replacement of
damaged laces in traditional systems is an additional commonplace
and time-consuming exercise.
[0006] The tedious process of tightening and tying shoes may be
particularly troubling, for example, during athletic events wherein
users must secure or release footwear from their feet during the
event, such as triathlons. Triathlons typically require users to
participate in three continuous, sequential stages including a
running stage, a cycling stage, and a swimming stage. Between these
stages are transitions, wherein users typically change into
footwear appropriate for the upcoming stage. Times accrued during
transitions are typically included in users' overall results; as a
result, quick transitions are desired. Thus, equipment that allows
quick changing of footwear between stages provides great benefit to
triathlon participants.
[0007] The shortcomings of traditional lacing systems are not, of
course, limited to these contexts. Even minor annoyances in
routines as commonplace as securing footwear to your feet can
accumulate to become major hassles. Therefore, improved footwear
adjustment systems impact a very widespread, diverse amount of
users.
[0008] This disclosure is differentiated over some specific
shoelace system examples improved that are discussed below. For
example, one improved shoelace system is marketed under the brand
Yankz! This example system, however, fails to satisfactorily solve
many of the problems of shoelace designs. As one example, the
system includes a single lace routed through the entire length of
associated shoes' eyelets. This restricts a user from applying a
variable level of tightening along the length of the lacing section
of her shoes.
[0009] Examples of other improved shoe securing products include
products marketed under the Greeper.RTM. brand. Greeper.RTM. laces
require users to fully lace a shoe to tighten and secure the shoe
using a complex system that involves tying laces to a lower routing
device, cutting off any excess lace, and then repeatedly using an
unreliable biased lace crimp to tighten and secure the shoe. The
complex and unreliable design of this device makes it an
insufficient solution to the problems inherent in conventional
lacing systems.
[0010] Thus, there exists a need for footwear adjustment systems
that improve upon and advance the design of known footwear
adjustment systems, such as those discussed above. Footwear
adjustment systems that include features that do improve and
advance the design of known footwear adjustment systems are
described below.
SUMMARY
[0011] The present disclosure is directed to devices for adjusting
the fit of footwear. Some examples include resilient laces
operatively coupled to first retaining flaps of footwear, latching
members including latches and lace receives sized to slidingly
receive string portions of resilient laces and to restrict passage
of retaining bodies of resilient laces, and latch couplers on
second retaining flaps of footwear and configured to releasingly
couple with lace couplers. In some examples, coupling latches to
latch couplers tensions resilient laces and pulls first retaining
flaps toward second retaining flaps. Some examples include first
resilient laces and second resilient laces. Some examples including
first resilient laces and second resilient laces include latching
members including a first lace receiver sized to receive string
portions of first resilient laces and second lace receivers sized
to receive string portions of second resilient laces. Some examples
are configured for adjusting the fit of apparel items defining
eyelets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a
footwear adjustment system attached to an example shoe.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the footwear adjustment system shown
in FIG. 1 depicting latching members of the system coupled with
latch couplers.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a close up view showing one of the latching
members shown in FIG. 2 depicting the latching member coupled with
a latch coupler.
[0015] FIG. 4A is a top view of an example of a lace configured for
use with disclosed footwear adjustment systems.
[0016] FIG. 4B is a top view of an additional or alternative
example of a lace configured for use with disclosed footwear
adjustment systems.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second example of a
footwear adjustment system.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the footwear adjustment
system shown in FIG. 5 with a latching member of the footwear
adjustment system in coupled with a latch coupler.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a close up view showing a latching member of the
footwear adjustment system shown in FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a close up view showing a latch coupler of the
footwear adjustment system shown in FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 9A is a perspective drawing of the lace receiver viewed
in a position from the top such as when the lace receiver is in
use.
[0022] FIG. 9B is a perspective drawing of the lace receiver viewed
in a position where the lace receiver has been flipped up showing
the latch and lace-receiving member.
[0023] FIG. 10 a close-up, side elevation view of the lace receiver
shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a close-up of a base portion of the lace receiver
design shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B depicting a hole-like opening
with additional teeth.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a resilient lace
disposed in the lace receiver shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The disclosed devices will become better understood through
review of the following detailed description in conjunction with
the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely
examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled
in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be
varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of
the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated
for different applications and design considerations; however, for
the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not
individually described in the following detailed description.
[0027] Throughout the following detailed description, examples of
various devices are provided. Related features in the examples may
be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the
sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained
in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue
the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be
similar to the related feature in an example explained previously.
Features specific to a given example will be described in that
particular example. The reader should understand that a given
feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal
of a related feature in any given figure or example.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a first example of a device for
adjusting the fit of footwear, device 100, will now be described.
As FIG. 1 illustrates, device 100 includes a first lace 110, a
second lace 130, a first latching member 140, a second latching
member 155, a first latch coupler 160, and a second latch coupler
170. Device 100 may allow users to adjust the fit of footwear more
quickly and easily than many other competing systems. For example,
device 100 allows users to secure footwear by simply coupling first
latching member 140 and second latching member 155 with first latch
coupler 160 and second latch coupler 170, respectively.
[0029] Because the securing method of device 100 includes fewer
steps than the traditional lace and eyelet method, users may find
that device 100 allows footwear to be secured with superior speed
and simplicity compared to traditional lacing and eyelet systems.
Further, the securing method of device 100 allows users to quickly
adjust the shoe to an appropriate tightness without requiring a
wearer to tediously adjusting laces at each eyelet.
[0030] Further, device 100 is adapted for use with existing
footwear designed for the traditional lacing and eyelet system.
Unlike some alternative footwear securing means, device 100 is
configured for use with most existing, standard footwear
designs.
[0031] Further, device 100 includes two laces that are routed at
two different regions along footwear's instep. Unlike many
alternative footwear securing means, this multiple lace system
allows a wearer to apply a variable level of tightening at these
differing regions on a user's shoe. Further, device 100 does not
require a user to route laces through supplemental routing devices,
as do some other alternative lacing systems. Additionally or
alternatively, the latching mechanism of device 100 may remain
secured more dependably than the unreliable lace crimps used in
some other alternative footwear securing means.
[0032] Accordingly, device 100 addresses many of the shortcomings
described above, including those associated with traditional lace
and eyelet systems and those associated with other alternative
lacing systems.
[0033] As FIG. 1 shows, device 100 is configured for use with
footwear designed to be secured with a traditional lace and eyelet
mechanism. An example of such footwear, shoe 80, is illustrated in
FIG. 1. As FIG. 1 shows, shoe 80 includes a first retaining flap 82
and a second retaining flap 90. As FIG. 1 illustrates, first
retaining flap 82 and second retaining flap 90 are spaced from one
another across a wearer's instep when shoe 80 is worn. As first
retaining flap 82 and second retaining flap 90 are pulled toward
one another, shoe 80 is adjusted to be secured more tightly on a
user's foot. Conversely, as first retaining flap 82 and second
retaining flap 90 are spaced further from one another, shoe 80 is
adjusted to be secured on a user's foot more loosely.
[0034] As FIG. 1 illustrates, first retaining flap 82 defines four
eyelets routed between its exterior and interior, including a first
eyelet 84, a second eyelet 86, a third eyelet 88, and a fourth
eyelet 89. As FIG. 1 also illustrates, second retaining flap 90
defines a fifth eyelet 92 substantially aligned with first eyelet
84, a sixth eyelet 94 substantially aligned with second eyelet 86,
a seventh eyelet 96 substantially aligned with third eyelet 88, and
a eighth eyelet 98 substantially aligned with fourth eyelet 89.
Each of the eyelets are configured to receive one or more laces
routed therethrough to operatively pair the lace with the
corresponding retaining flap. A lace may be used to pull first
retaining flap 82 and second retaining flap 90 when routed through
eyelets on both retaining flaps.
[0035] As FIG. 1 shows, first lace 110 is configured to be routed
through first eyelet 84, second eyelet 86, fifth eyelet 92, and
sixth eyelet 94 when device 100 is coupled with shoe 80. As FIGS. 2
and 4A show, first lace 110 defines a string portion 112 and
includes a first endcap 114, a second endcap 118, a first
supplemental retaining body 116, and a second supplemental
retaining body 120.
[0036] As FIGS. 2 and 4A show, string portion 112 extends from a
first terminal end 111 to a second terminal end 113. As FIG. 1
illustrates, first terminal end 111 is routed through first eyelet
84 of first retaining flap 82 when first lace 110 is coupled with
shoe 80 Likewise, second terminal end 113 is routed through second
eyelet 86 of first retaining flap 82 when first lace 110 is coupled
with shoe 80. When first lace 110 is so coupled, string portion 112
is routed through fifth eyelet 92 and sixth eyelet 94 of second
retaining flap 90, thereby defining a loop portion 115 on the
portion of first lace 110 between fifth eyelet 92 and sixth eyelet
94.
[0037] String portion 112 is made of a resilient polymer material
configured to return to its original shape and size after being
stretched. String portion 112 defines a coefficient of elasticity
selected to tension first lace 110 when first latching member 140
is coupled with first latch coupler 160.
[0038] Laces may, in some examples, include a rubber, elastomer, or
stretched fabric over substantially all of its length to achieve
selected elastic, resilient, and flexible characteristics. This is
not required, however; this disclosure specifically contemplates
looped ends that comprise a different material than the rest of the
lace to adjust elasticity, flexibility, and resiliency compared to
the rest of the lace. Indeed, some or all of laces may include a
variety of materials selected to adjust the tension of the lace
when the first latching member 140 is secured to first latch
coupler 160.
[0039] As FIGS. 2 and 4A show, string portion 112 defines a
thickness paired with first latching member 140. As FIG. 2 more
precisely illustrates, loop portion 115 defines a thickness sized
to be received by first latching member 140, thereby allowing first
latching member 140 to releasingly couple with loop portion
115.
[0040] As FIG. 4A shows, first endcap 114 is disposed proximate
first terminal end 111 of first lace 110. As FIG. 4A illustrates,
first endcap 114 defines a thickness greater than string portion
112. As FIG. 4A illustrates, second endcap 118 is substantially
similar to first endcap 114. Because first endcap 114 and second
endcap 118 define thicknesses greater than string portion 112,
first latching member 140 may be configured to slidingly receive
string portion 112 while restricting passage of first endcap 114
and second endcap 118. By receiving string portion 112 while
restricting passage of the endcaps, first latching member 140 may
be coupled with first lace 110 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2.
Indeed, FIG. 2 illustrates first latching member 140 coupled with
first lace 110 at an outer latching position.
[0041] As FIG. 4A shows, first supplemental retaining body 116 is
disposed on the string portion 112 of first lace 110. As FIG. 4A
illustrates, first supplemental retaining body 116 is spaced from
first endcap 114, being disposed more proximate the center of first
lace 110 than first endcap 114. Second supplemental retaining body
120 is similarly disposed on string portion 112 and spaced from
second endcap 118.
[0042] As FIG. 4A shows, first supplemental retaining body 116 and
second supplemental retaining body 120 define a greater thickness
than string portion 112. This increased thickness allows first
latching member 140 to connect to first lace 110 by slidingly
receiving string portion 112 while restricting passage of first
supplemental retaining body 116 and/or second supplemental
retaining body 120. By receiving string portion 112 while
restricting passage of the supplemental retaining bodies, first
latching member 140 may be coupled with first lace 110 in the
manner illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0043] Accordingly, first supplemental retaining body 116 and
second supplemental retaining body 120 cooperatively provide first
latching member 140 with a second point of attachment to first lace
110. Because first supplemental retaining body 116 and second
supplemental retaining body 120 are positioned closer to the center
of first lace 110 than the endcaps, first lace 110 defines a
greater tension when first latching member 140 is connected to the
attachment point provided by the retaining bodies compared to that
provided by the endcaps. This greater tension causes first lace 110
to secure footwear in a relatively tighter configuration compared
to those with endcap-connected latching members.
[0044] While device 100 includes only a single pair of supplemental
retaining bodies, some examples include additional supplemental
retaining bodies to provide first latching member 140 with
additional attachment points on first lace 110. In some examples,
the additional attachment points may allow users to more precisely
adjust the tightness of associated footwear. In some examples, the
additional attachment points may allow users to adjust the
tightness of associated footwear over a greater range of fits.
[0045] As FIG. 2 illustrates, second lace 130 is substantially
similar to first lace 110, similarly defining a string portion 132,
a first endcap 134, a second endcap 138, a first supplemental
retaining body 136, and a second supplemental retaining body 140
Like string portion 112, string portion 132 defines a loop portion
135 routed between seventh eyelet 96 and eighth eyelet 98. As FIG.
1 shows, second lace 130 is configured to adjust the fit of shoe 80
over a different region than first lace 110. Indeed, second lace
130 cooperates with first lace 110 to secure shoe 80 over the
entire length of first retaining flap 82 and second retaining flap
90. Various examples include any number of laces and paired
attachment members, allowing disclosed devices to adapt the
disclosed apparel fitting devices to a wide variety of
applications.
[0046] As FIG. 1 shows, first latching member 140 is configured to
removably connect to first lace 110. As FIG. 2 illustrates, first
latching member 140 defines a first lace receiver 142, a second
lace receiver 144, and a latch 146. As FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate,
first latching member 140 may be manipulated to removably attach at
a variety of attachment points, such as the attachment point
defined by the endcaps of first lace 110 illustrated in FIG. 2 and
the attachment point defined by the retaining bodies of first lace
110 illustrated in FIG. 3. When connected at the attachment point
defined by the endcaps, first latching member 140 is connected at a
relatively tighter attachment point; when connected at the
attachment point defined by the supplemental retaining bodies,
first latching member 140 is connected at a relatively looser
attachment point.
[0047] Further, as FIGS. 2 and 3 show, first latching member 140 is
additionally configured to releasingly couple with first latch
coupler 160. When so coupled, first lace 110 is tensioned and pulls
first retaining flap 82 toward second retaining flap 90.
[0048] As FIG. 4A illustrates, first lace receiver 142 defines a
rigid projection disposed on first latching member 140. As FIG. 4A
shows, first lace receiver 142 includes a partially closed
substantially cylindrical opening sized to slidingly receive string
portion 112 of first lace 110. As FIG. 4A shows, the opening of
first lace receiver 142 is additionally configured to restrict
passage of first endcap 114 and first supplemental retaining body
116. As FIG. 4A shows, second lace receiver 144 is substantially
similar to first lace receiver 142 and is similarly sized to
slidingly receive string portion 112 of first lace 110 and to
restrict passage of second endcap 118 and second supplemental
retaining body 120.
[0049] To connect first latching member 140 in a relatively looser
configuration, as mentioned above, a user may insert into the
opening of first lace receiver 142 the section of string portion
112 between first endcap 114 and first supplemental retaining body
116. First latching member 140 may then be pulled to engage first
endcap 114 with the rigid portion of first lace receiver 142. The
section of string portion 112 between second supplemental retaining
body 120 and second endcap 118 is similarly received by second lace
receiver 144 in this looser configuration.
[0050] Upon coupling first latching member 140 with first latch
coupler 160, the tension in string portion 112 pulls first endcap
114 to engage it with first lace receiver 142 Likewise, the tension
similarly pulls second endcap 118 to engage it with second lace
receiver 144, thereby securing first lace 110 to shoe 80 in a
secured configuration.
[0051] To connect first latching member 140 in a relatively tighter
configuration, a user may insert in the opening of first lace
receiver 142 the central portion of string portion 112 between
first supplemental retaining body 116 and second supplemental
retaining body 120. First latching member 140 may then be pulled to
engage first supplemental retaining body 116 with the rigid portion
of first lace receiver 142. The central portion of string portion
112 is similarly slidingly received by second lace receiver 144 to
engage second supplemental retaining body 120 with second lace
receiver 144 in this tighter configuration.
[0052] Upon coupling first latching member 140 with first latch
coupler 160, the tension in string portion 112 pulls first
supplemental retaining body 116 to engage it with first lace
receiver 142 Likewise, the tension similarly pulls second endcap
118 to engage it with second lace receiver 144, thereby securing
first lace 110 to shoe 80 in a secured configuration.
[0053] By attaching first latching member 140 to first lace 110
proximate the supplemental retaining bodies, first latching member
140 effectively shortens first lace 110. Because the distance
between the eyelets of first retaining flap 82 and the eyelets of
second retaining flap 90 remains constant, this results in an
increase in the amount of tension presented by first lace 110 when
first latching member 140 is coupled with first latch coupler 160.
This increased tension tightens shoe 80 on a wearer's foot compared
to a configuration wherein first latching member 140 is attached to
first lace 110 proximate its endcaps.
[0054] As FIG. 1 illustrates, second latching member 155 is
configured to attach to second lace 130 substantially similarly to
the manner in which first latching member 140 is attached to first
lace 110. As FIG. 3 illustrates, second latching member 155 is
configured to releasingly receive loop portion 135 in a latch 157
while second latching member 155 is coupled with and pulling second
lace 130. As FIG. 3 illustrates, latch 157 is substantially similar
to latch 146.
[0055] Additionally or alternatively, lace lengths may be adjusted
to add greater variability in apparel fit. For example, FIG. 4B
illustrates an example alternative lace, shortened lace 139, that
is relatively shorter than first lace 110 and second lace 130.
Because shortened lace 139 is relatively shorter than first lace
110 and second lace 130, shortened lace 139 will present a
relatively heightened tension when attached. Accordingly, examples
including shortened lace 139 may provide a tighter fit than
examples with longer laces. Capitalizing on this lace length-fit
correlation, this disclosure contemplates using laces longer and
shorter than those illustrated to accommodate a wide variety of
fits.
[0056] As FIGS. 2 and 4A illustrate, latch 146 is coupled with
first lace receiver 142 and second lace receiver 144, being
disposed on an opposite side of first latching member 140 as the
lace receivers. As FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate, latch 146 is
configured to couple with first latch coupler 160. In particular,
latch 146 defines a hook that is configured to removably receive
loop portion 115 of first lace 110. When first latching member 140
is connected to first lace 110, such as in the relatively tighter
or the relatively looser configuration described above, first
latching member 140 is pulled to loop portion 115 to tension first
lace 110.
[0057] When tensioned, latch 146 may be manipulated to receive loop
portion 115. When first latching member 140 is released, the
tension pulls loop portion 115 toward the closed side of latch 146.
Because the tension in first lace 110 pulls it toward latch 146,
first latching member 140 is configured to remain secured after a
user stops manipulating it. When secured in this manner, first lace
110 remains in a tensioned state.
[0058] As previously discussed, first lace 110 is operatively
coupled to first retaining flap 82 by being routed through first
eyelet 84 and second endcap 118. Similarly, first lace 110 is
operatively coupled to second retaining flap 90 by being routed
through fifth eyelet 92 and sixth eyelet 94. Because first lace 110
is operatively coupled with the retaining flaps in this manner,
first lace 110 is configured to pull first retaining flap 82 toward
second retaining flap 90 when first latching member 140 is secured
with loop portion 115.
[0059] The distance in which first retaining flap 82 is pulled
toward second retaining flap 90 directs the tightness of the fit of
shoe 80 Likewise, the distance with which first retaining flap 82
is pulled toward second retaining flap 90 is directed by the amount
of tension in first lace 110 (or other paired and secured laces).
Accordingly, the tightness of the fit of device 100 is directed by
the amount of tension in first lace 110 when attached. Additionally
or alternatively, adjusting the tension of laces, such as by
adjustments discussed herein, may adjust the fit of paired apparel
items.
[0060] As FIG. 1 shows, first latch coupler 160 is defined by loop
portion 115. Accordingly, first latching member 140 is configured
to releasingly couple with first latch coupler 160 by receiving
loop portion 115 within latch 146 as described above. Some
examples, however, may include latch couplers that are distinct
from first lace 110. For example, latch couplers may define
strands, loops, or other elements attached to an apparel item
proximate or on a retaining flap. As FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate,
second latch coupler 170 is similarly defined by loop portion
135.
[0061] Turning attention to FIGS. 5-8, a second example of a device
for adjusting the fit of footwear, device 200, will now be
described. Device 200 shares many similar or identical features
with previously disclosed examples that are combined in unique and
distinct ways. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of
device 200 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key
distinctions between device 200 and other previously disclosed
examples will be described in detail and the reader should
reference the discussion above for features substantially similar
between the devices.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates that device 200 provides an additional or
alternative means for adjusting the fit of shoe 80 and displays how
device 200 is paired with first retaining flap 82 and second
retaining flap 90. As FIG. 5 shows, device 200 includes a first
lace 210, a second lace 230, a latching member 240, and a latch
coupler 260. Like device 100, device 200 is configured to tension
two laces to secure shoe 80 on a wearer. Unlike device 100,
however, device 200 includes only a single latching member that is
configured pair with both laces simultaneously.
[0063] First lace 210 is substantially similar to first lace 110
and is configured to be operatively paired with shoe 80 in a
substantially similar fashion Likewise, second lace 230 is
substantially similar to second lace 130 and is configured to be
operatively paired with shoe 80 in a substantially similar
fashion.
[0064] As FIG. 7 illustrates, however, latching member 240 is
configured to receive both ends of both first lace 210 and second
lace 230. Namely, latching member 240 includes four lace receivers,
each lace receiver configured to receive a corresponding end of one
of first lace 210 or second lace 230. Each lace receiver of
latching member 240 is configured to receive each end of first lace
210 and second lace 230 in a substantially similar manner to first
lace receiver 142 or second lace receiver 144.
[0065] As FIG. 7 shows, latching member 240 additionally includes a
latch 246, which is substantially similar to latch 146. As FIG. 6
shows, latch 246 is configured to pair with latch coupler 260 in a
substantially similar method to latch 146.
[0066] As FIG. 7 illustrates, latch 246 is misaligned with the
looped portions of first lace 210 and second lace 230 when latching
member 240 is attached. As a result, latching member 240 is not as
suited to coupling with first lace 210 and second lace 230 as first
latching member 140 and second latching member 155 are suited to
couple with loop portion 115 and loop portion 135, respectively.
Accordingly, device 200 includes latch coupler 260, which defines a
distinct element from first lace 210 and second lace 230.
[0067] As FIG. 8 illustrates, latch coupler 260 is releasingly
connected to the looped portions of first lace 210 and second lace
230. As FIG. 8 shows, latch coupler 260 defines a first lace
retainer 262, a central portion 264, and a second lace retainer
266. As FIG. 8 shows, latch coupler 260 provides latching member
240 with a better aligned coupling point compared to the loop
portions of first lace 210 second lace 230.
[0068] As FIG. 8 shows, first lace retainer 262 is configured to
releasingly retain first lace 210. First lace retainer 262 defines
a pair of resistively flexible, resilient retaining members 263. As
FIG. 8 illustrates, retaining members 263 define a space between
them that is smaller than the thickness of first lace 210. As a
result, retaining members 263 may be manipulated to insert or
remove first lace 210. Accordingly, retaining members 263 are able
to retain second lace 230 in first lace retainer 262 absent user
manipulation. As FIG. 8 illustrates, second lace retainer 266 is
substantially similar to first lace retainer 262, and is configured
to similarly receive and retain second lace 230.
[0069] As FIG. 8 illustrates, central portion 264 defines a rigid
body extending between first lace retainer 262 and second lace
retainer 266. Central portion 264 is complimentarily shaped and
sized with latch 246, allowing latch 246 to releasingly couple with
central portion 264. By coupling with central portion 264, latch
246 is able to, in effect, couple with the looped portions of both
first lace 210 and second lace 230 simultaneously.
[0070] Similar to first latching member 140, first lace 210 and
second lace 230 are configured to tension when latching member 240
is coupled, thereby biasing latch 246 toward central portion 264.
As a result, latch 246 is configured to remain securely coupled
with latch coupler 260 during use, absent additional user
manipulation.
[0071] Because latching member 240 is configured to receive both
first lace 210 and second lace 230 and couples with a single latch
coupler, latch coupler 260, device 200 may provide particularly
quick and effective fit adjustment. Namely, if latching member 240
is presently attached to first lace 210 and second lace 230, device
200 could secure shoe 80 to a wearer's foot in a single quick step.
In particular, this may allow users to secure shoe 80 to their feet
at a precise fit with considerably less time and effort than would
be required with conventional lace-and-eyelet systems and other
conventional apparel adjustment systems.
[0072] Turning to FIGS. 9A-12, an alternative configuration for a
device for adjusting the fit of footwear, device 300, will be
described. Device 300 shares many similar or identical features
with previously disclosed examples that are combined in unique and
distinct ways. Thus, for brevity's sake, each feature of device 300
will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between
device 300 and other previously disclosed examples will be
described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion
above for features substantially similar between the devices.
[0073] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate that device 300 provides an
additional or alternative means for retaining a resilient lace 310
under tension within a latching member 340. Latching member 340
includes a latch 346 at one end and a lace receiver 342 at the
opposing end.
[0074] Resilient lace 310 shown in FIG. 12 is substantially
identical to laces 110 and 210 discussed above. In the examples
shown in FIG. 12, resilient lace 310 is not depicted with end caps,
but instead is depicted as comprising a string portion extending
from end to end. However, in other examples, the resilient lace
includes end caps at terminal ends of the resilient lace with a
string portion extending between the end caps. In many examples,
the end caps are mounted onto the string portion of the resilient
lace proximate the terminal ends of the resilient lace.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 9A-12, latch 346 defines a hook with a
hook opening to receive resilient lace 310 to couple latch 349 to
resilient lace 310. As can be seen in FIGS. 9A-12, the hook curls
upward proximate the hook opening. The hook curling upwards helps
to retain resilient lace 310 within the hook as shown in FIG.
12.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 9A-12, lace receiver 342 includes three
lace receiving members 344. The inner surface of outer lace
receiving members 344 contains arrays of teeth 358 while the inner
surface of the middle lace receiving member 344 is smooth. These
arrays of teeth function to frictionally secure the string portion
of resilient lace 310 under tension when latch 346 is engaged and
hooked to a loop portion of resilient lace 335. Unlike latching
members 140 and 240, latching member 340 of device 300 does not
require end caps or retaining bodies on the resilient lace to
maintain tension in the laces while latch 346 is engaged. FIG. 12
illustrates how resilient lace 310 may be threaded through lace
receiving members 344 of lace receiver 342.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, lace receiver 342 includes a
first surface 350, a second surface 354, a third surface 352, and
two side surfaces 356. First surface 350 and second surface 354 of
lace receiver 342 are transverse to the longitudinal axis of
latching member 340 while third surface 352 is aligned with the
longitudinal axis of latching member 340.
[0078] Lace receiving-members 344 of lace receiver 342 define
channels that are aligned with the longitudinal axis of latching
member 340. The channels are defined by a closed end distal third
surface 352 and an open end proximate third surface 352 opposite
the closed end.
[0079] FIGS. 9A and 9B further illustrate that in addition to the
two arrays of teeth 358 disposed on opposing sides in the channel
defined by lace receiving member 344, an additional array of teeth
359 may also be present on second surface 354 of lace receiving
member 344. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the teeth of array 359 run
the entire surface of the lace receiver channel where the ends of
the resilient lace would pass. Array of teeth 359 at second surface
354 of lace receiving member 344 further contributes to maintaining
the lace in frictional tension while the latching system is
engaged.
[0080] In some examples, the lace receiving members include more
than two arrays of teeth while in other examples the device
includes a single array of teeth. The opposing arrangement of the
arrays of teeth in lace receiving members 344 allow for a large
surface area on which lace receiver 342 can frictionally receive
resilient lace 310 and maintain tension within the lacing
system.
[0081] In the example shown in FIG. 11, arrays of teeth 358 are
pointed away from latch 346, which will often correspond to
pointing away from the direction in which a user will insert the
lace into lace receiving members 344. When laces are placed in the
lace receiver with the arrays of teeth pointed away from the
direction that the lace enters lace receiving members 344, the
teeth further restrict laces from loosening, but allow for further
tensioning of the resilient laces 310 with ease.
[0082] In the example shown in FIGS. 9A-12, lace receiver 342
includes three lace receiving members 344. In this example, only
the two outer lace receiving members include arrays of teeth 358
for gripping the resilient lace when it is threaded through lace
receiving members 344. In this example, the center lace receiving
member 344 has a smooth inner surface.
[0083] In the example shown in FIGS. 9A-12, the two outer lace
receiving members 344 include channels that are tapered. In
particular, the channel is tapered such that it is narrowest at the
closed end of lace receiving member 344 and widest at the open end
of lace receiving member 344.
[0084] With continued reference to FIGS. 9A-12, each of the lace
receiving members 344 also includes a protrusion 360 proximate
second surface 354 and extending into the channel defined by lace
receiving member 344. Protrusion 360 serves to narrow the channel
of lace receiving member 344 proximate second surface 354, which is
where the lace will often enter the channel, to maintain resilient
lace 310 in frictional tension within lace receiver 342 while
latching member 340 is engaged.
[0085] The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct
inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions
has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments
disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a
limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject
matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious
combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements,
features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent
to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where
the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite "a" element, "a
first" element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or
claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such
elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements.
[0086] Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to
combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed inventions that
are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in
other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions,
elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of
those claims or presentation of new claims in the present
application or in a related application. Such amended or new
claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a
different invention and whether they are different, broader,
narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be
considered within the subject matter of the inventions described
herein.
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