Abstract: A footwear article includes (a) an upper having a tongue opening at a front thereof; (b) a gusseted tongue including a tongue panel positioned over the tongue opening and a pair of gussets attaching laterally opposite sides of the tongue panel to the upper; (c) a pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten corresponding sides of the tongue panel to and from the upper; (d) a first lacing system on the upper and arranged for guiding lacing over the gusseted tongue and tongue fasteners when the sides of the tongue are fastened to the upper; and (e) a second lacing system on the tongue panel and arranged for guiding the lacing across the tongue panel clear of the tongue fasteners when the sides of the tongue panel are unfastened from the upper.

Abstract: Proposed is a detachable lacing apparatus using a shoelace loop for footwear and, more particularly, to a detachable lacing apparatus using a shoelace loop for footwear, the apparatus including a shoelace length adjuster that is provided with, on one side thereof, a length adjuster detachable part on which a locking groove part is formed, wherein in the locking groove part, a shoelace loop passed through a shoelace hole is fastened to be tightened and untightened according to winding and unwinding of the length adjuster, so that the shoelace length adjuster that a user desires may be customized and easily attached to the user's shoes.

Abstract: An apparatus for convenient tightening and loosening of strings such as those found in shoelaces of footwear is provided. The apparatus includes a rotating portion within a base portion. A cover portion, when operated in a first position, provides a ratchet movement that allows rotation in a tightening direction while preventing movement in a loosening direction. When the cover is moved to a second position, the ratchet mechanism disengages, and the strings can then be easily loosened.

Abstract: A rigid coupler having an upper surface, a lower surface and four sides, the coupler incudes a lower portion, an upper portion mateable with the lower portion, at least one inlet defined by the upper and lower portions, and at least one outlet defined by the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: A tension-retaining system for retaining tension in a tensioning cord of a wearable article may include a retainer including an anchor and a wedge. The anchor may define a notch, and the wedge may have a tensioning cord coupling feature. The wedge may have an engagement portion that fits within the notch with the engagement portion disposed further in the notch than the tensioning cord coupling feature.

Abstract: A clamp includes a cap, a base, a plurality of staggered protrusions on the base and the cap, a hinge, and a latch. The hinge is defined by the cap and the base. The latch is configured to secure the cap to the base. A footwear includes laces on the foot wear and at least one aforementioned clamp, which clamps at least two of the laces.

Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing component, a spool that is rotatably positioned within an interior region of the housing component, and a tightening component that is coupled with the housing component. The tightening component is operably coupled with the spool so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing component to wind a tension member about the spool. The housing component is configured so that the tension member is routed axially below the housing component's interior region and to one or more guides that are positioned along a lace path of an article, such as a shoe.

Abstract: A shoe fastening device and/or technique used to fasten a shoe is disclosed herein. A shoelace can be laced into a shoe in any number of lacing patterns. The two ends of the shoelace may be secured to the shoe. An overhand knot may be present when the shoelace is in a loosened configuration.

Abstract: A compliance assembly includes a compliance strap arranged to engage and extend around the exterior of an orthopedic device, and a compliance clasp attached to the compliance strap. The compliance clasp includes a base member, a door member, and a locking system. The door member is pivotally connected to the base member and is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the door member is rotated toward the base member and locks the compliance strap between the base and door members. The locking system is arranged to irreversibly lock the door member in the closed position.

Abstract: Collapsible tunnel systems or segmented tubular structures may be printed on or otherwise attached to base layers on articles of apparel, articles of footwear, or other articles of manufacture. The collapsible tunnel systems have two or more tubular structures attached to the base layer, with tunnels extending through the tubular structures. A tensile strand may be laced through the tunnels in the tubular structure such that when tension is applied to the tensile strand, the tunnels may collapse into a structure with a continuous tunnel through two or more tubular structures. In some embodiments, two or more segmented tubular structures each have two spaced-apart tubular structures joined by a connecting portion, and a tensile strand extending through tunnels in the tubular structures.

Abstract: Collapsible tunnel systems or segmented tubular structures may be printed on or otherwise attached to base layers on articles of apparel, articles of footwear, or other articles of manufacture. The collapsible tunnel systems have two or more tubular structures attached to the base layer, with tunnels extending through the tubular structures. A tensile strand may be laced through the tunnels in the tubular structure such that when tension is applied to the tensile strand, the tunnels may collapse into a structure with a continuous tunnel through two or more tubular structures. In some embodiments, two or more segmented tubular structures each have two spaced-apart tubular structures joined by a connecting portion, and a tensile strand extending through tunnels in the tubular structures.

Abstract: A sporting equipment cover consisting of a custom three-dimensional printed figurehead attached to a cover portion. The printed figurehead is fabricated from a three-dimensional scanned image of an individual using a three-dimensional ink jet printing process. The printed figurehead can be coated with one or more layers of a clear protective coating to increase the longevity of the printed figurehead. A mounting flange is formed about a mounting edge of the three-dimensional printed figurehead. The mounting flange is attached to the cover portion using a mounting bracket, a mechanical fastener, or other fastening interface. The cover portion can be designed to cover any sporting equipment, including golf clubs, racquets, etc. Alternatively, the printed figurehead can be a complete head and attached using a bobble head styled interface.

Abstract: A lacing system includes an article, a guiding portion, a lace and a fastening mechanism. The lacing zone is located between the first side and the second side. The guiding portion is positioned at the article and includes a first guide and a second guide. The first guide is positioned on the first side and located in the lacing zone. The second guide is positioned on the second side and located in the lacing zone. The lace is guided by the guiding portion and extended in a zig-zag pattern throughout the lacing zone. The fastening mechanism is positioned at the article to loosen or fasten the lace, which includes a housing and a reel member. The housing includes a connecting hole and a passage. The reel member is coupled to the housing to loosen or fasten the lace and is rotated along a first direction relating to the housing.

Abstract: A three-way shoelace structure has a first lace, a second lace, and a third lace. When a first three-way shoelace structure and a second three-way shoelace structure are passing through a plurality of eyelets of a shoe, the first lace, the second lace, and the third lace of the first three-way shoelace structure may be tied with the first lace, the second lace, and the third lace of the second three-way shoelace structure to form three tied points so as to bind up and fix at three fixed points of a foot of a wearer.

Abstract: An elastic coreless rope belt is a tubular braided rope of no core with stretch elasticity. Wherein the center part of the elastic rope belt along its length keep the same hollow shape, and at the periphery of the rope, it is provided with protruded knot parts of plural middle segment. At the plural middle segment, the diameter of the protruded knot can be changed with the changing of the axial tension. Once the axial tension is relived, the diameter and the shape will return to the origin. Thereby, it is convenient to make position limited buckling and loosening to the object hole.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The wound closure system includes a plurality of skin anchors mechanically attached to external skin tissue around a periphery of a wound, a line extending between the skin anchors, the line slidably engaged with each skin anchor, and a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound. The method of closing a wound includes the steps of attaching a plurality of skin anchors to external skin around a periphery of a wound, extending a line between the skin anchors around substantially the entire periphery of the wound, and providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound.

Abstract: A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.

Abstract: Cover devices and systems for locking assemblies are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the cover device include a cover component having an interior and at least one opening, where the interior is configured to house a locking assembly therein and the opening(s) are configured to receive the locking assembly and/or a flexible strand (such as a lace) therethrough. The locking assembly cover systems include the previously described cover component, a locking assembly operable to releasably secure a portion of a flexible strand and slidably disposed within the interior of the cover device, and at least one flexible strand releasably secured by the locking assembly and threaded through at least one of the openings of the cover component. Furthermore, locking assembly cover kits are described, which include an assembly of the components of the system packaged together.

Abstract: A shoelace fastening system is provided having a first and second element that allow a user to tension shoelaces of a footwear article without tying the same, wherein the shoelaces remain in tension and are secured over the wearer's foot. The system includes a first member that is secured to the lowermost shoelace crossing at the throat line of the footwear article. This member is an arcuate structure that includes a plurality of apertures to accept the first crossing of the shoelaces, while also providing a location to secure the free ends of the shoelaces after being tensioned. A second, sliding member provides an apertured body member that accepts the shoelaces therethrough for tensioning the same over the footwear tongue. The sliding member secures the footwear to the wearer by operably applying tension to the shoelaces between the uppermost lacing eyelet and the arcuate member at throat of the footwear.

Abstract: Lacing systems are disclosed for use with footwear or other articles. The lacing system can comprises flexible webbing lace guides. In some embodiments, a lace guide can include a first lace guide element and a second lace guide element. The lace can pass through the first and second lace guides consecutively on the first side of the article before crossing to the opposing side of the article. The first and second lace guide elements can be angled towards each other to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide elements. In some embodiments, the lace guide can have a central portion that is less flexible than the end portions so as to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide when tension is applied to the lace.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a dual lacing system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a first lace and a second lace. The first lace and the second lace include portions that are interdigitated, these portions being disposed towards an entry hole of the upper. The laces also include provisions for releasably fastening to the sides of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.

Abstract: A lacing system for tightening an article includes a first guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a first zone of the article and a second guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a second zone of the article with at least a portion of the second zone being different than the first zone. A first tension member is guided by the first guide within the first zone and a second tension member is guided by the second guide within the second zone. Tensioning of the first tension member or second tension member causes tightening of the respective zone of the article. A tensioning mechanism is also coupled with the article and with the first and second tension members. The tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the first and second tension members to tighten the first and second zones of the article.

Abstract: A shoelace holder that includes one or more patches of hook material that either is built into the upper portion of a shoe or releasably attaches to the upper portion of a shoe. The securing device provides function as well as decoration to the shoe surface. The securing device holds the shoelace against the shoe body thereby preventing a tripping hazard whether the shoelace is tied or not.

Abstract: A cord locking system that allows easy, rapid, and effective locking/unlocking of any size or type lace in a single handed, swift motion. The device includes a pair of arms that freely rotate about a swivel point within a base housing in a scissors-like motion that lock teeth against the lace by using compression forces from a spring. The arms protrude outside the base for easy disengagement, using a mechanical advantage of leverage to work against the spring force at the teeth on the lace to disengage the lock. Lifting finger upward on the arms to disengage the lock so that the teeth open allows the device to slide up and down the laces toward the preferred location. To lock, let go of the arms as the spring force presses the teeth into the lace at each side of the locking compartment to both lace ends within the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.

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: A cinching and bundling tie consisting of a planar strap having multiple teeth along both edges that engage when the strap is tied around an object or objects. The tie is self engaging, re-usable, simple in design, effective in its performance, easy to use, quick to apply, and adjustable.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a dual lacing system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a first lace and a second lace. The first lace and the second lace include portions that are interdigitated, these portions being disposed towards an entry hole of the upper. The laces also include provisions for releasably fastening to the sides of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe can be tied using only one hand if provided with a tying aid in the form of a generally T-shaped unit comprising a leg having two laterally extending ears. The leg is secured between rows of eyelets on the opposed flaps of the shoe by one or more of the lengths of lace extending across the gap between the flaps. The lengths of shoelace that would otherwise be tied in a bow are instead wrapped around the ears of the tying aid in alternating fashion, preferably twice around each ear, in a manner similar to the manner in which a mooring line is secured to the cleat of a boat.

Abstract: A cord locking system is provided that allows a user to easily, rapidly, and effectively lock/unlock a lace in one single-handed, swift motion. The locking device includes a pair of arms that can freely rotate around a swivel point within a base that lock teeth against the lace by using compression forces controlled by a spring. The arrangement of the arms protrude outside the base for easy engagement/disengagement, with a mechanical advantage using leverage to reduce the required forces to act against the spring force at the teeth. The arms are configured in a curved scissors-like handle for an easy swift grasp contoured to the shape of your fingers with a single-handed motion. The most basic application is in outdoor sports, such as snowboarding. A snowboard rider can easily lock the boot laces with a swift motion and just as easily disengage the locking device under harsh, frozen, winter conditions while wearing gloves.

Abstract: Footwear with a lace fastening includes an opening with a first edge and a second edge. The first and second edges are juxtaposed and each edge carries a respective plurality of lacing eyes. At least two laces extend through respective pairs of the lacing eyes. The ends of both of the laces converge on both of the edges of the opening, with at least one end of each lace extending through a respective end lacing eye of the fastening provided on each of the opposite edges.

Abstract: A device for securing shoelaces that includes a member for encapsulating free ends of a shoelace, the member has a pair of openings positioned within a rear wall of the member. Further, a reinforcement area is included along the rear wall of the member. A slit is extended along the length of the top part of the member. Lastly, a shoelace storage compartment formed within the member and receives the free ends of the shoe lace after one of each of the free ends has passed through at least one of the pair of openings.

Abstract: An article of footwear is configured so that a child or other wearer may easily insert his or her foot into the article of footwear without tying laces while maintaining the look of a laced article of footwear. A lateral portion of the eyelet region partially surrounding the vamp is removably attached to the upper, such as with a hook-and-loop system, to allow the width of the vamp to be manipulated. The medial portion of the eyelet region is fixedly attached to the upper so that the rubbing together of the medial sides of the feet to not unintentionally disengage the medial portion from the upper. The lateral portion of the eyelet region rotates on a hinge formed in the eyelet region. Laces are fixedly attached to the eyelet region. A gore strap is optionally provided for more secure wear.

Abstract: The present invention is a lace fastening device that can be attached to items requiring the use of laces that firmly ties the laces of the said item. The fastening device comprises; a housing base (3), a gripping plate (1); a central aperture (3A), into which both free ends of the lace are threaded to penetrate through; a gap spacer (2) (optional); a safety strap (7); and a pair of lace clips (4) that retains the free ends of the lace. The gripping plate (1) having serrations (1A) allows for sliding the lace when the lace is pulled along the lateral slots and, prevents the lace from sliding back towards the central aperture (3A) when the lace is released. Therefore, the device gives the user greater ease, speed and convenience in fastening and undoing laces on the said items.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening together two lace segments includes a base, a pull unit, and two clamp units. The base has an intermediate portion, and two openings disposed on two opposite sides of the intermediate portion. Each of the openings is adapted to permit one of the lace segments to extend therethrough. The pull unit includes a middle portion fixed to the base, and two opposite pull members extending outwardly from the middle portion. The clamp units are respectively connected to the pull members and are disposed above the openings. Each of the clamp units defines a through hole adapted to permit one of the lace segments to extend therethrough. The clamp units are movable toward the openings to effect clamping and are movable away from the openings when the pull members are pulled away from the base.

Abstract: A fastener for a lace includes a metal base, two clamp assemblies, a pull unit, and an anchoring member. Each of the clamp assemblies includes a substantially U-shaped member which has two opposite arms pivotally connected to the metal base, a U-bend connected to the arms opposite to the metal base, and a clamp member connected between and transverse to the arms. The pull unit includes a middle portion disposed over the metal base, and two opposite pull members extending from the middle portion and connected respectively to the U-shaped members. The anchoring member is made of metal, and has a press part pressing the middle portion of the pull unit against the metal base, and a plurality of anchoring legs extending from the press part, penetrating the middle portion of the pull unit, and welded to the metal base.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for creating a device suitable for holding a shoelace. The purpose of the invention is to prevent injuries caused due to the presence of excess shoelace length when a user is wearing a shoe. The device consists of a fastener with hook and loop fasteners on one side and a bridge on the other side. The laces of a shoe are threaded through the bridge and are secured using the hook and loop fastener. The invention is designed such that the excess shoelace length is directed parallel to the sole of the shoe, thereby minimizing the possibility of the excess shoelace length contacting the ground and posing a hazard to the user.

Abstract: A shoelace fastening assembly includes a fastening device fixed on the tongue of a shoe and includes a main part which has a tubular member and a shoelace is wrapped on the tubular member. A knob is rotatably engaged with the main part and drives the tubular member to rotate in one direction. At least one intermediate member is fixed on the tongue and has a cruciform slot so that the shoelace is movably engaged with the cruciform slot. At least two hook members are respectively fixed on two flaps of the shoe and each hook member has an engaging groove with which the shoelace is movably engaged. The shoelace can be easily connected with the intermediate member and the hook members.

Abstract: There is provided a tightening device for tightening a plurality of lace sections on a shoe. The tightening device includes an elongate member having means for engaging with the plurality of lace sections. The tightening device includes a retaining means for rotatably retaining the elongate member and for interposing between the plurality of lace sections and the shoe. The tightening device includes a lever extending from the elongate member for rotating the elongate member from a first position where the plurality of lace sections are slidably engageable with the elongate member to a second position where the lever causes the plurality of lace sections to fixedly engage around the elongate member and thereby tighten the plurality of lace sections on the shoe. The lever is connectable to the retaining means when the elongate member is in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoelace accessory provided to a shoelace to create an aesthetic appearance on the midfoot portion of a shoe while preventing the shoelace from being loosened, by preventing respective ornamental elements, threaded on the shoelace, from being moved or deformed. The shoelace is inserted through pairs of eyelets of an eyestay provided to the midfoot portion of a shoe so that the shoelace can be tightened and loosened to allow the shoe to be secured around a wearer's foot in conformity with a size of the foot, ornamental elements are threaded on the shoelace such that they are respectively placed between the respective pairs of eyelets and are positioned side by side in a rearward direction so as to independently or cooperatively provide an aesthetic appearance, and stoppers are integrally formed on surfaces of the ornamental elements.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a lace fastening device is easy to use and simple in structure since a fastening member is fastened to the inside of a receiving member the moment a control member is rotated and restored to its original location and the fastened state of the fastening member is released when a user rotates the control member to separate the fastening member from a magnetic body. An end portion of a lace is inserted into a fixing member and stackingly fastened inside the fixing member. The lace fastening device can stably fasten the lace to a footwear since a tightly fastened state of the lace can be kept while the upper end portion of the laminated lace pressurizes the lower end portion of the lace, thereby improving productivity.

Abstract: A tie wrap having a rope folded generally in half to define a first half of the rope and a second half of the rope. The tie wrap has a barrel lock fit with the rope so that the first half of the rope and the second half of the rope are thread through the barrel lock to define a loop in the rope. The rope is interlaced to define a first knot that terminates the loop at a first end of the tie wrap and the rope is interlaced to define a second knot at the second end of the tie wrap.

Abstract: A shoe has a quick-tighten lacing system with a shoelace partially wound around lacing control elements in a pair of rows between an ankle opening and a toe. The lacing system has one or two locking elements for enabling a quick tightening of the shoelace.

Abstract: A shoelace retainer is integrated with a shoe having a shoelace. The retainer features a lateral and medial flaps attached to the lateral and medial sides of the shoe at a position for receiving the lateral and medial free ends of the shoelace. The bottom surfaces of the flaps include hook and loop fastening elements. The retainer also features lateral and medial tabs in functional alignment with the lateral and medial flaps. The tabs are comprised of hook and loop fastening elements adapted to engage the elements of the hook and loop fastener on the bottom side of the lateral flap. The lateral tab and lateral flap are adapted to releasably secure the lateral free end and bow of a tied shoelace, while the medial tab and medial flap are adapted to releasably secure the medial free end and bow of a tied shoelace.

Abstract: A rope retainer comprises a body has a top surface, a bottom surface and a lateral surface; at least one main hole passed through the body; at least one wing extending from the body; the wing having at least one sub-hole. The rope retainer may have a long shape, a star like shape or a heart like shape. Furthermore the rope retainer can be used with a shoe for tying a shoelace.

Abstract: The devices sole purpose is to keep the integrity of a knot once it is formed with the shoe lace to keep the shoe securely fastened about the foot. This will be accomplished by precluding the bows and excess laces on each side of the knot from movement or slippage in any direction. The semi attached properties of the device will allow its user to remove it from one shoe and place it on another.

Abstract: A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.

Abstract: A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.

Abstract: A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.