Abstract: Footwear is provided with a closure system that is easily replaceable by the user. The closure system includes a strap that is preferably secured to the shoe through a hook and loop fastener. The strap is interchangeable and can include a variety of colors, designs, logos. The footwear can include multiple straps.

Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses an apparatus to aid in holding shoe eyelets in place during the shoe manufacturing process. The apparatus has a large comb shape with a plurality of rod shaped teeth corresponding to the number of shoe eyelet pairs. In operation, each tooth that is threaded through a shoe eyelet pair comprises “eyes” on each end similar to those found on sewing needles. A pair of metal or plastic rods, equipped with locking features, is then threaded through the eyes to secure the apparatus with the shoe eyelet in place. There are various sizes of the apparatus to accommodate different sized shoes and number of shoe eyelet pairs. The use of this apparatus saves time in the manufacturing process while improving work quality and increasing operator safety.

Abstract: A toe cap setting machine includes at least one cooling mechanism having a shoe last fixedly connected to a post with a heating tube disposed below the shoe last which is disposed between two work plates each having a slide slidably disposed thereon. Each of the work plates has a cylinder disposed therebelow which has a cylinder rod extending through the work plate and the slide. A first jaw extends from each of the slides and is located beside the shoe last. A second jaw is pivotally connected to a root portion of each of the first jaws and contacts the cylinder rod of the cylinder corresponding thereto at a bottom of the second jaw so as to clamp a toe cap between the first and the second jaw when the cylinder rod is operated. A light emitting device is disposed above the shoe last.

Abstract: A fastener for tying together a pair of shoelace eyelets on a shoe upper in such a way as to maintain the appropriate spacing therebetween while the shoe upper is being lasted. In one embodiment, the fastener is a unitary plastic member shaped to include an elongated flexible filament having a cross-bar at one end and a paddle at the opposite end, the paddle being provided with two or more alternative openings through which the cross-bar may be inserted to from a loop. The openings are preferably disposed at different points along the length of the paddle so that the different sized loops may be used for different eyelet spacings. In another embodiment, a feed bar is severably connected to the fastener for use in positioning the paddle so that the cross-bar may be aligned with and easily inserted into a desired cross-bar opening. Alternatively, the paddle may be provided with registration means.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in tying together a pair of opposing shoelace eyelets of a shoe upper with a plastic fastener of the type comprising a flexible filament having a cross-bar disposed at one end thereof and a paddle comprising an opening disposed at the opposite end thereof. The apparatus includes a hollow slotted needle insertable through the pair of opposing shoelace eyelets and the opening in the paddle, a paddle positioning assembly for aligning the opening in the paddle with the pair of opposing shoelace eyelets, a cross-bar feeding assembly for loading the cross-bar into the needle, and a cross-bar ejecting assembly for ejecting the cross-bar from the needle.

Abstract: A fastener for tying together a pair of shoelace eyelets on a shoe upper in such a way as to maintain the appropriate spacing therebetween while the shoe upper is being lasted. In one embodiment, the fastener is a unitary plastic member shaped to include an elongated flexible filament having a cross-bar at one end and a paddle at the opposite end, the paddle being provided with two or more alternative openings through which the cross-bar may be inserted to form a loop. The openings are preferably disposed at different points along the length of the paddle so that the different sized loops may be used for different eyelet spacings. In another embodiment, a feed bar is severably connected to the fastener for use in positioning the paddle so that the cross-bar may be aligned with and easily inserted into a desired cross-bar opening. Alternatively, the paddle may be provided with registration means.

Abstract: A fastener system and for use in tying together a pair of opposing shoelace eyelets of a shoe upper in such a way as to maintain the appropriate spacing between the eyelets while the shoe upper is being lasted. In one embodiment, the fastener system comprises a plastic fastener having a first cross-bar at a first end, a second cross-bar at a second end and a filament portion interconnecting the first cross-bar and the second cross-bar. The fastener system also comprises a plastic retaining tab, the retaining tab being appropriately constructed so that the first cross-bar and the second cross-bar may be inserted therethrough for securement thereto. The retaining tab may be provided with appropriately placed openings to facilitate insertion of the cross-bars through the retaining tab.

Abstract: A fastener for tying together a pair of shoelace eyelets on a shoe upper in such a way as to maintain the appropriate spacing therebetween while the shoe upper is being lasted. In one embodiment, the fastener is a unitary plastic member shaped to include an elongated flexible filament having a cross-bar at one end and a paddle at the opposite end, the paddle being provided with two or more alternative openings through which the cross-bar may be inserted to form a loop. The openings are preferably disposed at different points along the length of the paddle so that the different sized loops may be used for different eyelet spacings. In another embodiment, a feed bar is severably connected to the fastener for use in positioning the paddle so that the cross-bar may be aligned with and easily inserted into a desired cross-bar opening. Alternatively, the paddle may be provided with registration means.

Abstract: A converting plate for converting an unfinished product of a skate of lace-type into buckle-type includes an upper side and an underside with a contour complimentary to that of an upper surface of the lace-type skate. A number of protrusions are formed on the underside of the converting plate corresponding to eyelets of the lace-type skate. A number of pairs of flanges are formed on the upper side of the converting plate, defining a space between each pair of flanges for installing a buckle. A number of mounting holes are formed on the converting plate for securely mounting the buckle on the converting plate. A number of attaching holes are formed on the converting plate by which the converting plate is securely attached to the upper surface of the lace-type skate.

Abstract: A shoe lace replacing and shoe fastening device comprising a pair of eyelet members, each member having a pair of spaced fasteners for securing one eyelet member to adjacent eyelets along one side of a shoe upper, after removal of the laces thereof, and for securing the other eyelet member to adjacent eyelets along the other side of a shoe upper. An elongated strip of Velcro material is secured to the eyelet members and adapted to extend removably secure to itself whereby the shoe can be fastened without conventional laces.

Abstract: A process for temporarily fastening the flaps of shoe uppers for a lasting step includes aligning pairs of opposed eyelets of the flaps, propelling one of a pair of substantially parallel legs of each of a plurality of generally U or H shaped fastening element through respective pairs of the aligned opposed eyelets and positioning the thus prepared upper on a last for a lasting operation. The substantially parallel legs of the fastening elements serve to maintain the flaps in connected relationship and are readily removed from the eyelets by severing of a bridge element which extends between and connects the legs.

Abstract: An integrally molded fastener for a shoe includes a pair of elongated carrier members hinged together at the bottom ends thereof and which can be releaseably secured together. Flexible string-like members extend from carrier members for passing through the eyelets of the shoe. Each of the string-like members has one or more protrusions for interlocking with apertures formed in the carriers.