Abstract: An expandable, self-fastening strap includes a pair of fastening ends separated by a band, at least a portion of which is expandable. Located on one of the fastening ends is an eyelet. At least a portion of the laces of a boot may be forwarded through the eyelet. The strap and lace combination is wrapped around the boots, with the strap covering the laces, until the fastening ends of the strap meet. The fastening ends are then fastened together. Because at least a portion of the band is expandable, when the band is wrapped around the boot pressure is placed upon the laces, thereby precluding them from slipping under the strap. The strap thus secures the laces without undesirably constricting circulation of the wearer. As a result, wearer fatigue and discomfort is reduced. In addition, because the strap is tightly affixed to the boot, the device presents no extraneous protrusions that may become entangled in machinery or the like.

Abstract: A lacing apparatus is provided comprising a lace which maybe threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of an article; a connector for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and a mechanical locking device for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The devices sole function is to aid the shoelace once tied in obtaining its ultimate purpose of securing the shoe about the foot. This is done by the device being placed on both sides of the knot and fastening the excess lace in a manner to alleviate slippage of the knot, the bow and the excess lace.

Abstract: A shoe string retaining device is provided having a connection eyelet forming a flat ring connected to a lower retaining tube affixed horizontally. The lower retaining tube forming a tapered interior sidewall having a lace entry orifice formed at one end and opposite a lace exit and impingement orifice.

Abstract: A shoelace locking apparatus. The apparatus comprises a body attachable to a first end of a shoelace and a cup. The body defines a laterally opening locking passage therein for receiving a second end of the shoelace. The cup may be integral with the body or with a separate extension component. By tying a knot in a desired location in the second end of the shoelace and stretching the lace, the second end of the lace may be moved into an engaged position in which tension in the stretched lace tends to maintain the knot in the cup. The apparatus may also comprise a lock attachable to the second end of the shoelace such that the lock is also positioned in the cup and rotatable to a locking position preventing undesired longitudinal movement of the lock and shoelace.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening two string portions together includes a hollow housing and a movable locking member disposed within the housing. The housing extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a midportion disposed between first and second longitudinal end portions. The openings for feeding the string portions into the housing are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the housing entirely within the midportion of the housing. In this way, when the device is used to fasten string portions in a movable environment (e.g. shoelaces), the tension force of the string portions in conjunction with the first and second longitudinal end portions of the device inhibit the device from “flip-flopping” or otherwise moving relative to its environment.

Abstract: A means to secure a device or parts thereof to the flaps of an associated shoe is flexible, and comprises a plurality of flap attachments which can be fixedly or detachably secured to the flap(s) of a shoe. Each flap attachment is attached directly or via intermediate attachments to an elongate member which is securable to the device. Each intermediate attachment has two ends, one secured to the flap attachment and the other to the elongate member. The elongate member can be longitudinally extendable and retractable and can be made up of shorter segments connected to each other. The flap attachments are pivotably secured to one another in a linear sequence where at least one segment is attached directly or indirectly to the device. One type of flap attachment is permanently secured to the shoe by methods like adhesive bonding and fasteners. Another is detachable from the shoe and consists of three versions.