Abstract: A fabric strap retainer having a back insertion hole at a back side thereof for the insertion of two fabric straps in a crossed manner, two post-like stop ends at two sides of the back insertion hole, a partition column disposed on the middle in flush with a front side thereof, two release holes respectively extended from the back insertion hole to the periphery thereof at two sides of the partition column, two hollow engagement units respectively forwardly extended from the release holes to the periphery thereof at two sides of the partition column, the hollow engagement units each having two series of teeth respectively disposed at top and bottom sides thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoelace tightening device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoelace tightening device.

Abstract: A retaining clip for holding shoelaces and replacing standard footwear eyelets including one integral member formed with a base attached to the shoe upper with a curved member extending upwardly therefrom and an upper member extending back across the base. An abutment member extends outwardly from the upper member toward the base member to be in abutment therewith for retaining a shoelace therewithin and a prying tab extends upwardly from the abutment member. The shoelace when urged against the prying tab will cause the abutment member to separate from the base allowing the shoelace to snap into place. When the shoelace is pulled against the opposite side of the abutment member, release is achieved. The footwear construction includes a shoelace securement means having a cam cleat for firmly gripping of the shoelaces and facilitating extremely rapid operation of the overall footwear closure construction.

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 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: An apparatus for providing easy tightening and loosening of laces. A molded unit having a top, two ends, and two sides is formed. Each end may be molded or tooled to define a first bore and a portion of a guide channel. The top is molded or tooled to define a second portion of the guide channel having a cross-dimension greater than a cross-dimension of the first bore. The first bore, first portion of the guide channel and the second portion of the guide channel corresponding to one end are contiguous. In one embodiment, each end further defines a second bore that is not contiguous with the first bore or guide channel through which a lace may be secured.