Abstract: A corset or lingerie item features and improved dual level tightening system which allows a wearer to apply the corset or lingerie item without the assistance of another person by the inclusion of a rear cinching, dual level improved tightening system that operates to tighten the corset or lingerie item around the lower torso from the front of the garment, adjusted by the wearer to a suitable level of comfort level determined by the wearer, the dual level tightening system providing lower torso support and a slenderizing effect while not restricting general lumbar movement and flexibility.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a removable tightening device is described. The tensioning mechanism is removably coupleable with an article without damaging the article so that upon removal, the coupling of the tensioning mechanism with the article is unrecognizable or not readily detectable. The tensioning mechanism is operable with a tension member to maintain a tension of the tension member and thereby maintain a tightness of the article. The tension member is guided along a path about the article, via one or more guide members, and is tensionable, via the tensioning mechanism, to tighten the article.

Abstract: A loop for a shoelace utilizing an asymmetric pulley, including: a plurality of shoelace loops mounted to each of eyelet tabs of a shoe using respective rivets, wherein each of the shoelace loops includes: an asymmetric pulley having a pulley groove for guiding a shoelace without allowing the shoelace to be removed therefrom by itself and opposite circular side surfaces provided on opposite sides of the pulley groove, in which a diameter of a first one of the opposite side surfaces is larger than a diameter of a second one; a pulley holder having a structure suitable for sitting the pulley therein; and a rotating pin rotatably mounting the pulley to the pulley holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe tie system and, more specifically, to a tie system capable of securing a shoe to a user's foot. The shoe tie system includes a mounting plate disposed for connecting to a shoe. The mounting plate has a first end and a second end and a pin is pivotally connected to the second end of the mounting plate. The first end of the mounting plate has an upper and lower end, between which a rotating apparatus revolvingly extends. A tie is disposed between the rotating apparatus and mounting plate and when the tie is pulled, the rotating apparatus revolves. The mounting plate and rotatable apparatus may each include bases having a plurality of notches. After pulling the tie, the notch located on the base of the rotatable apparatus connects with the notch of the mounting plate, thereby preventing further revolution of the rotatable apparatus.

Abstract: A device (1) for securing end portions (4) of ribbon (3), including a base (6), having at least two openings (17), a cap (5), including at least two openings (11), wherein cap (5) and base (6) are rotatable relative to one another wherein openings (17) cooperate with two openings (11) such that opposite ends (4) of ribbon (3) are guided through respective pairs of cooperating openings (11, 17), and ends (4) can be wound up, characterized in that in the spacing between first flat structure (12) and second flat structure (7) a separate hub element (23) includes teeth (14) staggered to be positioned on the gaps relative to one another, wherein teeth (14) form a v-shaped groove (25), which is interrupted by alternatingly staggered gaps and tapers toward the interior of the hub element (23).

Abstract: A device for fastening a flexible tie has a hollow body provided with a guiding channel that forms a funnel for a translationally movable blocking element, this blocking element being subject to the constant action of an elastic element. The hollow body is housed in a case where it can move translationally parallel to the blocking element, and the blocking element is maintained in the case, on one side by virtue of the elastic element that acts directly between the blocking element and the case, and on other side by virtue of an abutment. A retractable abutment makes it possible to retain the hollow body against the blocking element to block the tie, or to release this hollow body so as to enable the sliding of the tie. The fastening device is particularly adapted to ensure the adjustment of a garment or a shoe by means of a tie, such as a lace.