Abstract: A centrifugal dispensing apparatus with a centrifugal dispensing drum that can be divided into compartments and that has at least one open inner volume for retaining a volume of flowable material, an exit aperture for each open inner volume for allowing flowable material to pass during a rotation of the centrifugal dispensing drum, and a drive shaft. A catch shield or a cam operated plunger arrangement for sealing off the exit aperture in a directionally sensitive manner can be provided. Flowable material can be deposited in lines onto flat surfaces, curved surfaces, and non-flat surfaces that can be rendered flat after the application of flowable material thereto. The centrifugal dispensing drum, which can be modular, can take the form of a top or can be retained by a gimbaled gyroscopic arrangement.

Abstract: A device for decorating laces formed from a body having a first bore extending from a first end of the body to a second end of the body and a second bore extending from the second end of the body. The tip of a lace passes through the first bore from the first end to the second end and is then received in the second bore and retained therein when the end of the lace extending past the first end is pulled. A full or partial wall is defined between the bores in the vicinity of the first end for retaining a loop of the lace. A groove may be formed in the second end between the first and second bores for receiving the loop of the lace.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a shoe lace during intermediate stages of shoe lace tying as well as after tying is provided. First and second jaw members define a jaw opening and are adapted for mounting on a shoe with the jaw opening facing away from the shoe. At least one of the jaw members is displaceable away from the jaw opening and is biased closed. A portion of the periphery of at least one of the jaw members adjacent the jaw opening is inclined toward the jaw opening to define a camming surface for guiding the shoe lace to the jaw opening and for permitting the force of the shoe lace being pulled to displace the movable jaw member against the biasing force so that the shoe lace can enter and be retained in the apparatus. The jaw members can include a cavity to receive a knot and teeth at the periphery of the jaw opening for retaining the lace. The movable jaw member is mounted by an over center hinge permitting selective opening of the apparatus to release a knot.