U.S. patent application number 14/261952 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-29 for article of footwear for substantially reducing friction and related components and apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to S.R.K.I.P., LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Rakesh Kathpalia. Invention is credited to Rakesh Kathpalia.
Application Number | 20150305443 14/261952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54333538 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150305443 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kathpalia; Rakesh |
October 29, 2015 |
ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR FOR SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCING FRICTION AND RELATED
COMPONENTS AND APPARATUS
Abstract
An article of footwear for substantially reducing friction
related to tying a shoe with a shoelace having an uncompressed
cross-section. The shoe comprises eyelets for receiving the
shoelace, each eyelet having a cross-section larger than the
uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace. The shoe further
comprises shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one of
the eyelets. The shoelace interfacing structures comprises a
material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe.
In addition, the shoelace interfacing structures supports movement
of the shoelace along an outer surface of the shoelace interfacing
structure and permits the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so
that pulling on the ends of the shoelace ties the shoe with minimal
force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with
each shoelace interfacing structures throughout the shoe.
Inventors: |
Kathpalia; Rakesh;
(Victoria, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kathpalia; Rakesh |
Victoria |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
S.R.K.I.P., LLC
Victoria
TX
Kathpalia; Rakesh
Victoria
TX
|
Family ID: |
54333538 |
Appl. No.: |
14/261952 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/68SK ;
24/713.5; 24/713.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 5/00 20130101; A43C
1/04 20130101; A43C 11/165 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43C 5/00 20060101
A43C005/00; A43C 1/00 20060101 A43C001/00 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear providing substantially reduced friction
related to fastening a shoelace associated with the article of
footwear, the shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section, the
article of footwear comprising: a plurality of eyelets for
receiving the shoelace, each of said plurality of eyelets having a
cross-section larger than said uncompressed cross-section of the
shoelace, and a plurality of shoelace interfacing structures, each
of said plurality of shoelace interfacing structures configured
inside one of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a material
for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe, while
supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of said
shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to pass
with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace
ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the
tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing
structures throughout the shoe.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said outer surface
of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprising a
material with a low coefficient of friction for the shoelace to
slide past.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein each of said
shoelace interfacing structures are fixed to said one of said
eyelets.
4. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein each of said
shoelace interfacing structures connected to said one of said
eyelets through a rotatable interface, said rotatable interface
rotating in response to sufficient friction between the shoelace
and said outer surface of one of said shoelace interfacing
structures.
5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said outer surface
of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprising a
material with a high coefficient of friction for forming a static
interface with the shoelace.
6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein each of said
shoelace interfacing structures connected to said one of said
eyelets through a rotatable interface, said rotatable interface
rotating in response to sufficient friction between the shoelace
and said outer surface of one of said shoelace interfacing
structures.
7. The article of footwear of claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of inner axles, each of said inner axles configured
inside one of said shoelace interfacing structures, wherein each of
said inner axles are fixed to one of said eyelets, further wherein
said one of said shoelace interfacing structures connected to one
of said inner axles through an interface.
8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein said interface
comprising lubricant for permitting movement of each of said
shoelace interfacing structures around one of said inner axles with
minimal friction.
9. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein said interface
comprising one or more bearings for permitting movement of each of
said shoelace interfacing structures around one of said inner axles
with minimal friction.
10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein said one or more
bearings are ball bearings, roller bearings, or needle
bearings.
11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein an inner surface
of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprising a
material with a low coefficient of friction for permitting said
inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures to
slide past said one or more bearings.
12. The article of footwear of claim 11, further wherein an outer
surface of each of said inner axles comprising a material with a
low coefficient of friction for permitting said outer surface of
each of said inner axles to slide past said one or more
bearings.
13. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein an inner surface of
each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprising a material
with a high coefficient of friction for forming a static interface
with said one or more bearings, thereby enabling said one or more
bearings to roll across an outer surface of one of said inner
axles.
14. The article of footwear of claim 13, further wherein said outer
surface of each of said inner axles comprising a material with a
high coefficient of friction for for forming a static interface
with said one or more bearings, thereby enabling said one or more
bearings to roll across said outer surface of one of said inner
axles.
15. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said shoelace
interfacing structures are longitudinal and said material
comprising urethane or a hard, wear-resistant, non-pliable
plastic.
16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the shoelace having
a first end and a second end, said first end fixed to the shoe and
said second end connected to a rotatable member for increasing the
tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing
structures.
17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein said rotatable
member is motorized.
18. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein said rotatable
member operably associated with a crank.
19. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the shoelace
wrapping around a perimeter of the shoe.
20. A method for configuring an article of footwear providing
substantially reduced friction related to fastening a shoelace
associated with the article of footwear, the shoelace having an
uncompressed cross-section, the method comprising: providing a
plurality of eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each of said
plurality of eyelets having a cross-section larger than said
uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace, and providing a
plurality of shoelace interfacing structures, each of said
plurality of shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one
of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a material for
withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe, while
supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of said
shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to pass
with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace
ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the
tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing
structures throughout the shoe.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of lacing holding
structures and guiding means for lacing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The traditional shoe is difficult to tie, mainly in athletic
shoes and high ankle shoes such as rollerblades, inline skates, ice
skates, etc. On a shoe with traditional eyelets that guides the
shoelace, a person tightens the shoe by pulling on the ends of the
shoelace at the top portion of the shoe. This results in more
tension at the top portion of the shoe, and generally will result
in an uneven distribution of tension throughout the rest of the
shoe, specifically, less tension in the bottom and middle portions.
This is because when the person pulls on the ends of the shoelace,
there is too much friction between the shoelace and the eyelets
that guide the shoelace. As a result, the tension is higher at the
top portion of the shoe than at the bottom and middle portions,
causing discomfort due to the uneven tension distribution.
[0003] A person may get closer to an even tension distribution, but
traditionally only by tightening the shoelace starting from the
bottom portion and tightening the shoelace on the right and left
side of the shoe progressively towards the top portion.
[0004] The approaches described in this section could be pursued,
but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously
conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein,
the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the
claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by
inclusion in this section.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The disclosed subject matter teaches an article of footwear,
including eyelets, that substantially reduces the friction between
the shoelace and the eyelet portions of the shoe that receives and
contacts the shoe. The disclosed subject matter will make
tightening a shoe easier and result in an even distribution of
tension across the shoe.
[0006] In some embodiments, an article of footwear providing
substantially reduced friction related to fastening a shoelace
associated with the article of footwear, the shoelace having an
uncompressed cross-section, the article of footwear comprises:
[0007] a plurality of eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each of
said plurality of eyelets having a cross-section larger than said
uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace, and
[0008] a plurality of shoelace interfacing structures, each of said
plurality of shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one
of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a material for
withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe, while
supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of said
shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to pass
with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace
ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the
tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing
structures throughout the shoe.
[0009] In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said
outer surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures
comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction for the
shoelace to slide past. In some embodiments, the article of
footwear wherein each of said shoelace interfacing structures are
fixed to said one of said eyelets.
[0010] In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein each of
said shoelace interfacing structures are connected to said one of
said eyelets through a rotatable interface, said rotatable
interface rotating in response to sufficient friction between the
shoelace and said outer surface of one of said shoelace interfacing
structures.
[0011] In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said
outer surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures
comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction for
forming a static interface with the shoelace. In some embodiments,
the article of footwear wherein each of said shoelace interfacing
structures are connected to said one of said eyelets through a
rotatable interface, said rotatable interface rotating in response
to sufficient friction between the shoelace and said outer surface
of one of said shoelace interfacing structures.
[0012] In some embodiments, the article of footwear further
comprises a plurality of inner axles, each of said inner axles
configured inside one of said shoelace interfacing structures,
wherein each of said inner axles are fixed to one of said eyelets,
further wherein said one of said shoelace interfacing structures
connected to one of said inner axles through an interface.
[0013] In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said
interface comprises lubricant for permitting movement of each of
said shoelace interfacing structures around one of said inner axles
with minimal friction. In some embodiments, the article of footwear
wherein said interface comprises one or more bearings for
permitting movement of each of said shoelace interfacing structures
around one of said inner axles with minimal friction. In some
embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said one or more
bearings are ball bearings, roller bearings, or needle
bearings.
[0014] In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein an
inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures
comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction for
permitting said inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing
structures to slide past said one or more bearings. In some
embodiments, the article of footwear further wherein an outer
surface of each of said inner axles comprises a material with a low
coefficient of friction for permitting said outer surface of each
of said inner axles to slide past said one or more bearings.
[0015] In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein an
inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures
comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction for
forming a static interface with said one or more bearings, thereby
enabling said one or more bearings to roll across an outer surface
of one of said inner axles. In some embodiments, the article of
footwear further wherein said outer surface of each of said inner
axles comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction for
for forming a static interface with said one or more bearings,
thereby enabling said one or more bearings to roll across said
outer surface of one of said inner axles.
[0016] In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said
shoelace interfacing structures are longitudinal and said material
comprises urethane or a hard, wear-resistant, non-pliable
plastic.
[0017] In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein the
shoelace has a first end and a second end, said first end fixed to
the shoe and said second end connected to a rotatable member for
increasing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace
interfacing structures. In some embodiments, the article of
footwear wherein said rotatable member is motorized. In some
embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said rotatable member
is operably associated with a crank. In some embodiments, the
article of footwear wherein the shoelace wraps around a perimeter
of the shoe.
[0018] In some embodiments, a method for configuring an article of
footwear providing substantially reduced friction related to
fastening a shoelace associated with the article of footwear, the
shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section, the method
comprises:
[0019] providing a plurality of eyelets for receiving the shoelace,
each of said plurality of eyelets having a cross-section larger
than said uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace, and
[0020] providing a plurality of shoelace interfacing structures,
each of said plurality of shoelace interfacing structures
configured inside one of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a
material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe,
while supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of
said shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to
pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the
shoelace ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly
distributing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace
interfacing structures throughout the shoe.
[0021] These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as
well as additional novel features, will be apparent from the
description provided herein. The intent of this summary is not to
be a comprehensive description of the subject matter, but rather to
provide a short overview of some of the subject matter's
functionality. Other systems, methods, features and advantages here
provided will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination of the following FIGURES and detailed description. It
is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and
advantages that are included within this description, be within the
scope of any claims filed later.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed
subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed
later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a
preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof,
will best be understood by reference to the following detailed
description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a traditional shoe 100 with eyelets 104.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a front view of one embodiment of the disclosed
subject matter that features shoelace interfacing structures 106
with an outer surface 108 that comprises a material 114 for
withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a front view of one embodiment wherein each of
the shoelace interfacing structures 106 are fixed to the eyelet
104.
[0026] FIGS. 4A and 4B shows front views of some embodiments where
each shoelace interfacing structure 106 is connected to the eyelet
104 through a rotatable interface 116.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a front view of one embodiment where inner
axles 122 are configured inside the shoelace interfacing structures
106.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments
with an interface 124 between the inner axle 122 and the shoelace
interfacing structure 106.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows a side cross section view of one embodiment
where the interface 124 comprises one or more bearings 128 for
permitting movement of the shoelace interfacing structures around
the said inner axles 122 with minimal friction.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments
where an inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures
106 comprises a material 140 with a high coefficient of friction
for permitting the inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing
structures to form a static interface with the bearings 130,
thereby enabling the bearings 130 to roll across an outer surface
142 of the inner axles 122.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments
where the one or more bearings are roller bearings 132.
[0032] FIG. 10 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments
where the one or more bearings are needle bearings 134.
[0033] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C shows some embodiments of different
shapes of eyelets 104, including rectangular, triangular, and
hexagonal, respectively.
[0034] FIG. 12 shows a top view of a first end 152 fixed to the
shoe 100 and a second end 154 connected to a rotatable member
146.
[0035] FIG. 13 shows a top view of some embodiments of the
rotatable member 146 connected to a crank 148.
[0036] In the FIGURES, like elements should be understood to
represent like elements, even though reference labels are omitted
on some instances of a repeated element, for simplicity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the
same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to
designate the same components.
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a traditional shoe 100 with eyelets 104. A
shoelace 102 is tied through the eyelets 104. On most traditional
shoes, the shoelace uncompressed cross section 110 is larger than
the eyelet cross section 112. This creates additional friction when
the shoelace is pulled through the eyelet. FIG. 1 is not shown to
scale for illustrative purposes. The uncompressed cross-section 110
of the shoelace, in most shoes, is larger or approximately the same
than the cross section of each eyelet 104. And furthermore, even in
the minority of shoes with a smaller shoelace uncompressed
cross-section 110 than the eyelet cross section 112, the shoelace
102 still get caught due to too much friction buildup between the
shoelace and the eyelets, resulting in an uneven tension
distribution.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter
that features shoelace interfacing structures 106 with an outer
surface 108 that comprises a material 114 for withstanding tensions
associated with tying the shoe. Each shoelace interfacing structure
106 supports movement of the shoelace along the outer surface 108
and permits the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that
pulling on the ends of the shoelace 102 ties the shoe 100 with
minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the
shoelace with each shoelace interfacing structure 106 throughout
the shoe 100.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment wherein each of the shoelace
interfacing structures 106 are fixed to the eyelet 104. In some
embodiments, the shoelace interfacing structure 106 is formed in
the same mold as the eyelet 104.
[0041] In some embodiments, the material 114 for withstanding
tensions associated with tying the shoe comprises a material with a
low coefficient of friction 118. In some embodiments, the eyelet
104 can be formed of the same low coefficient of friction material
as the shoelace interfacing structure 106 is, or of a different
material. In some embodiments, the shoelace interfacing structure
106 comprises urethane or a hard, wear-resistant, non-pliable
plastic 144. In some embodiments, the outer surface material can be
different from the material of the shoelace interfacing structure
106.
[0042] FIG. 4A shows one embodiment where each shoelace interfacing
structure 106 is connected to the eyelet 104 through a rotatable
interface 116. In some embodiments, the material 114 for
withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe comprises a
material with a low coefficient of friction 118. When the shoelace
102 moves along the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing
structure 106 at lower speeds, it is more likely for the friction
to form a static interface between the shoelace 102 and the
shoelace interfacing structure 106. In response to sufficient
friction between the shoelace 102 and the outer surface 108 of the
shoelace interfacing structure 106, the shoelace 102 will rotate
the shoelace interfacing structure 106. At faster speeds, it is
more likely that the shoelace interfacing structure 106 glides past
the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure
106.
[0043] In some embodiments, the material 114 for withstanding
tensions associated with tying the shoe comprises a material with a
high coefficient of friction 120, as shown in FIG. 4B. This will
increase the chance for the friction to form a static interface
between the shoelace 102 and the shoelace interfacing structure
106. The friction is translated to the rotatable interface 116. The
rotatable interface can be any low friction pivot, such as ball
bearings or roller bearings. These mechanisms generally result in
lower friction than if the shoelace 102 glides past the outer
surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure 106.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment where inner axles 122 are
configured inside the shoelace interfacing structures 106. The
inner axles 122 are fixed to the eyelets 104 and the shoelace
interfacing structures 106 are connected to the inner axles 122
through an interface 124.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments
with an interface 124 between the inner axle 122 and the shoelace
interfacing structure 106. In some embodiments, the interface 124
comprises lubricant 126. The lubricant 126 can be oil or liquid
that reduces the friction between the inner axle 122 and the
shoelace interfacing structure 106 less than if the shoelace 102
glides past the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing
structure 106.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows one embodiment where the interface 124
comprises one or more bearings 128 for permitting movement of the
shoelace interfacing structures around the said inner axles 122
with minimal friction.
[0047] In some embodiments, the one or more bearings are ball
bearings 130. The load is relatively small for tying a shoelace and
thus, ball bearings are suitable for this application. Ball
bearings reduce friction by rolling, instead of sliding past a
surface. In some embodiments, an inner surface 136 of the shoelace
interfacing structures 106 comprises a material 138 with a low
coefficient of friction for permitting the inner surface 136 of the
shoelace interfacing structures to slide past the ball bearings
130. In some embodiments, an outer surface 142 of the inner axles
122 comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction 138 for
permitting the outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122 to slide
past the ball bearings 130.
[0048] In response to sufficient friction between the shoelace 102
and the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure
106, the shoelace 102 will rotate the shoelace interfacing
structure 106. When the shoelace interfacing structure 106 rotates
and moves along the ball bearings 130 at lower speeds, it is more
likely for the friction to form a static interface between the ball
bearings 130 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106. At faster
speeds, it is more likely that the shoelace interfacing structure
106 glides past the ball bearings 130.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows some embodiments where an inner surface 136 of
the shoelace interfacing structures 106 comprises a material 140
with a high coefficient of friction for permitting the inner
surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures to form a static
interface with the bearings 130, thereby enabling the bearings 130
to roll across an outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122. In
these embodiments, there is a higher chance for the friction to
form a static interface between the inner surface 136 of the
shoelace interfacing structures and the bearings 130.
[0050] In some embodiments, an outer surface 142 of the inner axles
122 comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction 140
for assisting the bearings 130 to roll across the outer surface 142
of the inner axles 122.
[0051] In response to sufficient friction between the shoelace 102
and the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure
106, the shoelace 102 will rotate the shoelace interfacing
structure 106. When the shoelace interfacing structure 106 rotates
and moves along the ball bearings 130 at lower speeds, it is more
likely for the friction to form a static interface between the ball
bearings 130 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106.
[0052] FIG. 9 shows some embodiments where the one or more bearings
are roller bearings 132. The load is spread over a line, allowing
the bearing to handle much greater loads than a ball bearing. In
some embodiments, the roller bearings 132 have a slight barrel
shape or a slightly curved raceway to avoid edge loading.
[0053] FIG. 10 shows some embodiments where the one or more
bearings are needle bearings 134. Needle bearings 134 are suitable
for this application because needle bearings 134 have a very small
diameter, allowing the bearing to fit into the tight space between
the shoelace interfacing structures 106 and the inner axles
122.
[0054] In some embodiments with roller bearings 132 or needle
bearings 134 or other interfaces, the same or similar materials
used for permitting the inner surface 136 of the shoelace
interfacing structures to slide past the ball bearings 130 can be
used for roller bearings 132 or needle bearings 134 or other
interfaces also. Furthermore, in some embodiments with roller
bearings 132 or needle bearings 134 or other interfaces, the same
or similar materials used for permitting the inner surface 136 of
the shoelace interfacing structures to form a static interface with
the bearings 130, thereby enabling the bearings 130 to roll across
an outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122.
[0055] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C shows some embodiments of different
shapes of eyelets 104, including rectangular, triangular, and
hexagonal, respectively.
[0056] FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of the shoelace 102 having a
first end 152 and a second end 154. In some embodiments, the first
end 152 is fixed to the shoe 100 and the second end 154 is
connected to a rotatable member 146 for increasing the tension of
the shoelace 102 with the shoelace interfacing structures 106, thus
tying the shoe. In some embodiments, the rotatable member 146 is
motorized.
[0057] FIG. 13 shows some embodiments of the rotatable member 146
connected to a crank 148. When the user rotates the crank 148, the
shoelace 102 winds into the rotatable member 146. This increases
the tension of the shoelace 102 with the shoelace interfacing
structures 106, thus tying the shoe. In some embodiments, the
shoelace 102 wraps around a perimeter 150 of the shoe to further
distribute the tension throughout the shoe.
[0058] While the disclosed subject matter has been described with
respect to a limited number of embodiments, the specific features
of one embodiment should not be attributed to other embodiments of
the disclosed subject matter. No single embodiment is
representative of all aspects of the disclosed subject matter.
Moreover, variations and modifications therefrom exist. For
example, the disclosed subject matter described herein may comprise
other components. Various additives may also be used to further
enhance one or more properties. In some embodiments, the disclosed
subject matter is substantially free of any additive not
specifically enumerated herein. Some embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter described herein consist of or consist essentially
of the enumerated components. In addition, some embodiments of the
methods described herein consist of or consist essentially of the
enumerated steps. The claims to be appended later intend to cover
all such variations and modifications as falling within the scope
of the disclosed subject matter.
* * * * *