Abstract: A shoelace is provided, including: a core material and a cover layer. The core material defines an axial direction, and the cover layer is sleeved on the core material. The cover layer covers 30% to 90% of an area of an outer peripheral surface of the core material. Therefore, the shoelace has a concave-convex outer surface and is not easy to loosen when tied, and provides good structural strength and appearance.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a cord tightening and loosening device, a shoe, a glove, a medical protective equipment and a storage device. The cord tightening and loosening device includes a rotary knob, a pawl disc, a base, a reel and a chassis. When the first meshing part is meshed with the second meshing part and the rotary knob rotates in a first clock direction, the rotary knob can drive the pawl disc to rotate, and then the pawl disc drives the reel to rotate, so that the cord tightening and loosening device can be in a tightening state and the cord can be wound around the winding part to tighten the cord.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a fastening system including a guide element and a carriage member slidably coupled to the guide element. A lacing element is coupled to the carriage member such that the position of the lacing element changes as the carriage member moves along the guide element. In an embodiment, the footwear includes a lateral side rail and a medial side rail, each rail including one or more carriage members selectively movable along the rail for a predetermined distance. The lacing element extends repeatedly from the lateral side to the medial side, being captured by the carriage members. In operation, the carriage members move along the rail, adapting the positioning of the lacing element.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, a slotted eyelet, an opening, and a tensile strand. The upper is coupled to the sole structure and has a medial portion and a lateral portion. The slotted eyelet is formed in the medial portion or the lateral portion and has a major axis and a minor axis. A length of the slotted eyelet along the major axis is larger than a width of the slotted eyelet along the minor axis. The opening is formed in the medial portion or the lateral portion, and the opening is spaced apart from the slotted eyelet. The tensile strand has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends through the opening and defines an aperture adjacent the slotted eyelet, and the second portion extends from the first portion toward the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper coupled with the sole structure. The upper has a first side portion, a second side portion separated from the first side portion by a throat opening, and a closure for selectively coupling the first side portion to the second side portion. The closure includes a closure panel and a plurality of laces each extending between a respective first end and a respective second end. The first end of each of the plurality of laces is directly secured to the first side portion of the upper and the second end of each of the plurality of laces is directly secured to the unitary closure panel. A selective and reusable fastener is further provided to couple the closure panel to the second side panel of the upper.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a footwear component that is a tongue removably attachable to an upper. The tongue has a first set of lace guides extending outward of a perimeter of the tongue. The upper has a second set of lace guides. The first set of lace guides is interleaved with the second set of lace guides when the tongue is positioned adjacent the upper. The tongue is removably attached to the upper by a lace routed through the first set of lace guides and the second set of lace guides such that the tongue is hinged to the upper at the first set of lace guides and the second set of lace guides. The tongue may be reversibly, removably attached to the upper. A footwear system includes alternately removably attachable tongues.

Abstract: A lace (200) for a shoe (C), consisting of an elongate elastic band (2) made entirely of silicone, said band having elastic properties according to which, when at least one segment of said band is selected, said segment having a constant cross-section and a rest length of 5.0 centimeters, when said segment is stretched to a stretched length of 10.0 centimeters and then released, said segment contracts and reaches a first released length of between 5.6 and 7.0 centimeters after a first period of between 0.1 and 1 second after the release, and reaches a second released length of between 5.0 and 5.6 centimeters after a second period of between 15 and 25 seconds after the release. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of sports shoes, and in particular running shoes, to prevent any compression and thus allow good blood circulation while holding the foot comfortably.

Abstract: A heading machine includes a base unit (1), a delivery unit (2) arranged on the base unit, two holding units (3) arranged on the base unit, a drive unit (4) arranged on the base unit, a cutting unit (5) arranged on the delivery unit, a computer control unit (6) arranged on the base unit, and a power supply (7) electrically coupled to the drive unit, the cutting unit and the computer control unit to provide an electric power. Thus, the computer control unit adjusts the length of the lace (8), so that the tension of the lace is distributed evenly, and the lace that has been cut will have a constant length. In addition, the cut length of the lace is adjusted without needing manual measurement and adjustment.

Abstract: A lacing system for an article may include a tensioning mechanism, a plurality of guide members, and a lace that is operationally coupled with the tensioning mechanism and that is routed along a lace path of the article via the plurality of guide members. The lace is routed along the lace path so that a first portion of the lace is routed directly from the tensioning mechanism to a top end of the lace path and so that a second portion of the lace is routed directly from the tensioning mechanism to a position that is adjacent a bottom end of the lace path. Tensioning of the lace, via the tensioning mechanism, causes the top end of the lace path and the position adjacent the bottom end of the lace path to be initially tensioned.

Abstract: A lace fitting structure for fitting an upper 3 wrapping around an instep of a foot to the instep, the structure including: a medial side portion 31 covering the instep and a medial side surface of a big toe; a lateral side portion 32 covering the instep and a lateral side surface of a little toe; first shoelace means 1 placed to extend in a longitudinal direction Y of the foot and engaged with the medial side portion 31 and the lateral side portion 32 along central edge portions 33 of the medial side portion 31 and the lateral side portion 32; placement means for placing a portion of the first shoelace means 1 so that the first shoelace means 1 is exposed in a plurality of exposed areas 1i, which are separated from one another in the longitudinal direction Y; and second shoelace means 2 engaging, in a transverse direction X of the foot, with the first shoelace means 1 in the plurality of exposed areas 1i so as to bring the medial side portion 31 and the lateral side portion 32 closer to each other, wherein a

Abstract: A footwear lace securing system which in some embodiments may comprise a first tension strap apparatus having a first elongate strap body with a first medial end, a first distal end, and first tension strap fastener. The first medial end may be coupled to a shoe lace between two shoe eyelets. The system may also comprise a second tension strap apparatus having a second elongate strap body with a second medial end, a second distal end, and a second tension strap fastener. The second medial end may be coupled to a shoe lace between two shoe eyelets opposite to the first elongate strap body. The first and second tension strap apparatuses may each be configured to wrap around the upper and sole portions of the article of footwear in opposing directions and may be secured to one another by coupling the first and second tension strap fasteners together.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a decorative cincher comprising a decorative element, a cincher, and a post, the cincher being useful in securing one or more shoe laces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gripping and tightening laces for proper functioning of footwear, the apparatus comprising a lace with an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, wherein the outer surface at each end may be covered by an aglet, and the outer surface between each aglet has at least an aperture, each aperture forming a closed loop extending through the lace and normal to the outer surface, said aperture sized such as to allow for the insertion of at least one finger into each aperture. The method of using the apparatus comprising the steps of selecting the corresponding apparatus length based upon desired application; threading the apparatus through lacing guides; inserting at least one finger through at least one aperture in the apparatus; and pulling on the apparatus; whereby tensioning the apparatus to the desired tightness for proper functioning of the footwear has been accomplished.

Abstract: A method to display a foot ornamentation system includes obtaining a foot ornamentation system that has a bottom band constructed from an elastomeric material for compressing the system snugly against a foot. The system has a first side panel and a second side panel that are flexible for conforming to a contour of a foot side. The system has a decorative member with an interior surface that has a smooth profile and a non-slip surface for interfacing with the foot top surface. The method includes donning the system by expanding an interior open area of the system via the stretchable bottom band then sliding over an end of a foot into a first position where the decorative member is located on a foot top surface. The method includes donning footwear with an open top that allows the system to be displayed.

Abstract: A decorative device adapted for securing to a shoe lace attached to a shoe, wherein the device includes: a body selected from the following group shapes when viewed from a top view: ovoid, kidney bean, cigar, square, or circular; wherein the device includes at least an upper surface joined a lower surface wherein the lower surface is relatively flat and adapted to engage an upper contacting surface of the shoe, when in use; and wherein the device includes a bore in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tying lace constructed of an outer braided cover having a first thread type and a second thread type. The second thread type is formed from a different material and/or has a different cross-sectional area than the first thread type. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional area is at least twice that of the first thread type. Additionally, the second thread type may be of a material having higher elastic properties and/or a greater coefficient of friction than the first thread type. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the tying lace is constructed with an elastic core extending the length of the tying lace.

Abstract: Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof can include a unitary or one-piece body having first and second ends configured and operative to be coupled together or to be coupled to their respective complement in another of said fastening devices. The first end can include a ring or annular portion and a projection that are sized and shaped to fit around an anchor and in an orifice, respectively, of the second end. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof according to embodiments may be used with items, including footwear, apparel, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, football or lacrosse shoulder pads, or the like.

Abstract: A lacing system for an article of footwear may include a lateral series of lace-receiving elements and a medial series of lace-receiving elements. A first lace extends consecutively through a first lateral lace-receiving element, a second lateral lace-receiving element, a fourth medial lace-receiving element, a fifth lateral lace-receiving element, a third medial lace-receiving element, and again through the first lateral lace-receiving element. A second lace extends consecutively through a first medial lace-receiving element, a second medial lace-receiving element, a fourth lateral lace-receiving element, a fifth medial lace-receiving element, a third lateral lace-receiving element, and again through the first medial lace-receiving element.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a length of a cord is disclosed. The device may include a body portion having a channel defined by first and second opposed walls shaped to receive a cord. Each of the first wall and the second wall may include at least one notch shaped to receive the cord in a direction provided at an angle to the channel.

Abstract: A lace tightening apparatus including a handle and a gripping platform. The gripping platform is adapted to travel up into the interior of the handle upon a compression force being applied thereto. An anvil is rigidly attached to the handle projecting downward from the underside. One or more springs are disposed within the interior, with the first end of the spring anchored to the handle within the interior and the second end connected to the gripping portion. A stylus is attached to the gripping portion having a post and an L-shaped portion including a lip. The lip is exposed outside of the anvil and projects downward away from the anvil. Therefore, when the compression force is applied to the gripping platform, the lip travels upward toward the bottom surface of the anvil such that a lace can be pinched between the lip and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A connector for use with a drawstring is described which allows a user to attach one or more flexible elongate closure means, e.g. drawstrings together. A first end of the connector is mountable to a first end of a flexible elongate closure means. A second end of the connector is mountable either to a second end of the same or to another flexible elongate closure means. A swivel means may be situated between the first and second ends of the connector for rotating the ends and assist in fastening the connector to the drawstring. The connector may be a permanent fixture to a drawstring or a releasable attachment. The connector may be used in a method of replacing a drawstring of a product with a second drawstring. An end of a first drawstring is connected to an end of the second drawstring via the connector. The first drawstring is pulled until the connected second drawstring has replaced a position of the first drawstring on the product, then the drawstrings are disconnected at the connector.

Abstract: A lacing cord is used in an article to be laced that includes shoes, clothing and bags. The lacing cord basically includes a core wire and at least one protruding part. The core wire includes at least one wire member. The at least one protruding part is provided to a peripheral section of the core wire so as to intersect with an axial direction of the core wire and to protrude radially outward from the peripheral section of the core wire.

Abstract: A design lace is provided for insertion into an object. The design lace includes a plurality of image sections for forming a unified image. Each image section forms a part of the unified image. All of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.

Abstract: A strap for a shoe has a first resilient and flexible fabric element extending from a first end to a second end and a clear flexible element substantially fixed at respective ends of the clear flexible element to corresponding ends of the first fabric element. Methods of assembly and of use are described.

Abstract: A fastening element comprising (a) a non-load bearing core, the non-load bearing core comprising a first biocompatible polymer; (b) a load bearing sheath, the load bearing sheath comprising a second biocompatible polymer, wherein the load bearing sheath surrounds the non-load bearing core. The fastening element can be used as a suture, shoe lace or rope. The non-load bearing core has a Durometer Hardness Type A value ranging from 15 to 30. The load bearing sheath is formed from a plurality of yarns, each yarn comprising a plurality of filaments in form of mono or multifilament of the second biocompatible polymer. Each yarn may have a tenacity at break value ranging from 30 cN/dtex to 45 cN/dtex.

Abstract: A slip-resistant shoelace of the present invention includes a body having an external tube. The external tube is manufactured by weaving. Each of Pluralities of sections of a cavity of the external tube is filled with a center core respectively. The center cores are arranged at intervals to be discontinuous. Thus, sections having the center core are solid, and sections without the center core are hollow. The hollow sections can be used to be disposed in a shoelace hole stably or to be tied and knotted tightly. Thereby, the slip-resistant shoelace of the present invention can prevent the knot from slipping.

Abstract: A string securing device includes a base having a central post extending centrally therefrom. A shaft extends through the passage in the central post so as to be connected to the cap mounted to the base by a bolt which extends through the cap from a top of the cap. A ring and a spool are located between the base and the cap, wherein the spool is rotated with the cap by engagement of first and second teeth on the spool and the cap respectively. The ring has multiple ratchet teeth which are removably engaged with third teeth on the cap so as to allow the cap to rotate in one direction. The ring includes flexible members which are deformed to lower the ring and provides straight and upward force to the cap.

Abstract: Accessory systems and methods are provided. An accessory may be designed with two loops (such as an elastomeric strap or two elastic loops) attached to the back of a decorative ornament using, for example, an interlocking post. The accessory may be removably attached to footwear. The ornament may rest on the upper part of a shoe, while the two elastic loops secure the ornament by coming together underneath the shoe strap, upper or lace to form a single combined loop and then flipping over the ornament, thereby holding it in place. These accessory ornaments may be moved from shoe to shoe, allowing the wearer to create their own look. In addition, the wearer may change the ornament on the same shoe, changing the look of that one shoe, depending on the chosen ornament. The accessory ornament may be attached to other objects, such as ski poles, helmets, goggles, bike handle bars, zippers, and purses.

Abstract: In a fastening tool, a male member is combined to a female member such that the male member can be pushed to at least a predetermined position of the female position against urging force. The fastening tool is fastened to the string body that is inserted through a side through-hole of the male member and a side through-hole of the female member that communicate with each other at the predetermined position by releasing the push-in state of the male member. The male member includes an attaching portion of an operating elongated member, and the operating elongated member is operated to move the male member to the predetermined position against the urging force. A positioning device to a fitting object is formed on the female member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tying lace constructed of an outer braided cover having a first thread type and a second thread type. The second thread type is formed from a different material and/or has a different cross-sectional area than the first thread type. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional area is at least twice that of the first thread type. Additionally, the second thread type may be of a material having higher elastic properties and/or a greater coefficient of friction than the first thread type. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the tying lace is constructed with an elastic core extending the length of the tying lace.

Abstract: A weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body.

Abstract: A carrying case includes a first compartment and a second compartment coupled to each other at attached ends by a hinge and detachably coupled to each other at free ends by at least one fastener. The at least one fastener includes a clip coupled to the first compartment and a cord coupled to the second compartment. The clip is configured to receive the cord to secure the free ends of the first compartment and the second compartment together.

Abstract: Laces for footwear or sporting equipment comprised of yarns made from liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fibers. The laces may comprise 100% liquid crystal polymer, or may comprise between about 30% to 99% liquid crystal polymer fibers and a portion of other fibers. The laces may be solid braid construction.

Abstract: A stepless fastening device includes a cap having a driving gear and multiple one-direction teeth connected to an underside thereof. The driving gear is engaged with a spool located in the base so that the strip or shoelace is wrapped to the spool. An operation unit is located beneath the cap and rotatable in a first direction for fastening and a second direction for loosening the strip or shoelace. An operation ring of the operation unit is connected to the underside of the cap and pushes an activation ring away from the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction. An engaging member includes inclined teeth and pushed by the activation ring so that the inclined teeth are disengaged from the one-direction teeth of the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: A shoelace structure includes an elastic shoelace having two end sections on two ends thereof and a mediate section is located between the two end sections. Two end pieces are connected to the two end sections and each have a securing section and an engaging section which extends along a longitudinal direction from the securing section. The securing sections are respectively mounted to the end sections and the engaging sections extend toward the mediate section. The shoelace is free from the engaging sections which contact against the shoe to keep the shoelace to be tightened by the elasticity of the shoelace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for tightening a shoelace, the device comprising a shoe main body formed with an opening and a tongue finishing an inside of the opening; a shoelace connecting opposite sides of the opening; a handle connected to at least one of shoelaces connecting the opposite sides of the opening; and a hook formed in rear of the shoe main body and holding the shoelace pulled by the handle.

Abstract: Slip resistant cordage is presented including: a length of cordage; a knot keeper configured for providing a more secure knot tied in the length of cordage, the knot keeper including: a number of branches radiating from a portion of the length of cordage, and a number of branch keepers, where each of the number of branch keepers is disposed along each of the number of branches for use in retaining the number of branches with the length of cordage. In some embodiments, slip resistant cordage is presented where the number of branches includes: a flat tip, a rounded tip, a pointed tip, a hooked tip, a barbed tip, a bull-nose tip, a bull-nose barb tip, a rectangular tip, and a rectangular barb tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and simple device to protect shoelaces. According to the present invention, a shoelace protector provides a protective cover over shoelaces where the shoelace protector includes: an upper portion wherein upper portion includes a means for attaching said upper portion to a shoelace configuration; and a lower portion wherein the lower portion includes a means for attaching said lower portion to the shoelace configuration and the lower portion abuts the upper portion. The shoelace protector effectively and substantially covers the shoelace configuration by using the upper portion and lower portion. The means for attaching includes at least one opening in the upper portion and at least one opening in the lower portion.

Abstract: A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.

Abstract: Fastening system for shoes which are fastened by way of fastening laces. An insert opening has interengaging tabs which have end-mounted deflection elements for guiding the shoelace. The laces are organized so that no crossover or overlapping shoe laces are present in the instep and ball region of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention uses a particular configuration of intermediate stitches between eyelets and elastic connection to provide supplemental support for shoelaces. The intermediate stitches also called inter eyelet stitches provide connection between the shoe and a tongue for supplemental support. The elastic connection additionally provides connection between the shoe and the tongue. The laces having received the stitch support can then be omitted, or styled in a variety of different configurations according to fashion requirements. The intermediate stitches preferably are placed between the third and fourth eyelet, between the first and second eyelet, and below the first eyelet. The elastic connection is preferably configured by the top eyelet also called the fifth eyelet connecting to the tongue.

Abstract: A strap for a shoe has a first resilient and flexible fabric element extending from a first end to a second end and a clear flexible element substantially fixed at respective ends of the clear flexible element to corresponding ends of the first fabric element. Methods of assembly and of use are described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe 10 including an upper 12, having lateral and medial sides, a midsole 14 joined to the upper 12, and an outsole 16 joined to the midsole 14. Shoe 10 is tightened around the wearer's foot using a lacing system 18 comprising a lace 20 and tightening mechanism 22. Lace 20 is threaded through shank 24 positioned under the arch and heel wrap 26 and attached at opposite ends to tightening mechanism 22. In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, lace 18 is tensioned to draw shank 24 upwards and towards the arch of the foot. In order to support the foot, shank 24 is comprised of a material having a strain rate lower than that of upper 12.

Abstract: A shoe clip (100) includes two members (10, 12) that attach together in positions above and beneath shoe laces (20), to grip the shoe laces (20) between them and position the clip (100) on the shoe (22). A first member (10) is shaped and sized to slide under one or more laces (10) of the shoe, without requiring unlacing thereof. A second member (12) rotatably attaches at one end to the first member and, after insertion of the first member (10) beneath the laces (10), rotates to overlie the first member (10). The members then fasten to one another at their free ends (15, 17), such that the members grip the laces (20) between them. The second member supports or is integral with a component that is to be attached to the shoe.

Abstract: A lace includes an inner foam layer, and an outer weaving layer covering the inner foam layer. Thus, the inner foam layer of the lace is made of a soft foamable material, so that the inner foam layer of the lace has a lower price, thereby decreasing the costs of fabrication. In addition, the inner foam layer of the lace can be broken and crashed when the lace is disposed of, so that the inner foam layer of the lace is recycled to satisfy the requirement of environmental protection.

Abstract: A multi-function drawstring that may be used on various containers and for various purposes comprising a drawstring that is slidably enclosed in a flexible cover which encloses substantially the entire length of the drawstring. The flexible cover may have perforations or openings at various positions to enable the drawstring to be exposed and pulled. An adhesive means may be applied to one or more sides of the flexible cover to enable the multi-function drawstring to be affixed to various surfaces and at various positions.

Abstract: The present invention was created for the purpose of allowing individuals to make a casual pair of shoes unique and trendy. The fashion laces do not require tying and are made exclusively for shoes that have eyelets for shoe laces. The laces are strung through the eyelets on the shoe that provides the wearer with the ability to customize the fitting of the shoe. The laces are especially designed to accommodate the open shoe style trend, but are versatile enough for the wearer to wear loose shoes that you can slip on or off the foot, thus allowing for a more comfortable fit, or the wearer can use a smaller size lace, thus allowing for more tension to be applied for a more snug fit.

Abstract: A magnetic shoe lace includes a flexible magnetic member or material of a size and configuration to be laced through conventional shoe eyelets of a shoe, wherein at least part of a first half of the member is charged of a first polarity and at least part a second half of the member is charged with an opposite polarity.