Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine are discussed. In this example, the footwear assembly can include a footwear upper and a lace cable running through a plurality of lace guides. The plurality of lace guides can be distributed along the medial side and the lateral side, and each lace guide of the plurality of lace guides can be adapted to receive a length of the lace cable. The lace cable can extend through each of the plurality of lace guides to form a pattern along each of the medial side and lateral side of the footwear upper. The footwear assembly can also include a medial proximal lace guide routing the lace cable into a lacing engine disposed within a mid-sole portion. Finally, the footwear assembly includes a lateral proximal lace guide to route the lace cable out of the lacing engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered, flexible, flat semi-finished product or component with a segment-like surface and a method for its manufacture, as well as a multidimensionally curved moulded part made therefrom and a method for the manufacture of such a component.

Abstract: An improved method for attaching a geosynthetic strip to a plurality of fact panels of a retaining wall. The method first begins by providing a plurality of stackable face panels, each face panel having a plurality of connector loops fixed with the back portion of the face panels. Each of the connector loops for a horizontal loop extending outwardly generally perpendicular to the back portion of the face panel. Next, a first tier of face panels is disposed at the bottom of the embankment being erected. Soil is then back-filled behind the first tier of panels to a level of the connector loops disposed within the first tier of face panels. A geosynthetic strip, which extends perpendicularly from the back portion of the face panels into the soil embankment, is positioned so that a plurality of geosynthetic strips aligns with the connection loops.

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 drawstring fastener includes a female member, a male member movably fitted inside the female member, and an urging device urging the male member in a direction of protruding from the female member. An operating string is pulled out through a pass-through hole provided at a lower end of the female member. By a pulling force of the operating string, the male member can move in an inward entering direction in the female member against an urging force. The male member includes an inner space passing through the periphery, and a pass-through hole passing through the inner space and a lower end face, and disposed coaxially with the pass-through hole of the female member. A string upper end of the operating string is locked after passing pass-through holes of the female member and the male member and entering the inner space.

Abstract: A shoelace protector can include a fastening member, enclosure and upper section. The fastening member can be inserted into to an eyelet of a shoe to properly support the shoelace protector. The shoelace can be strung into the fastening member and through the enclosure. The enclosure can surround the shoe lace on an exterior portion of the shoe. The shoelace can then be placed through the upper section. The upper section can provide a narrow slit such that the shoelace can be fit therethrough. Two or more shoelace protectors can be fitted into the eyelets of the shoe. The protectors can be positioned on the lower eyelets such that the bend created by the eyelet on the shoelace can be protected during use.

Abstract: A securing assembly adapted for promoting a more secure relationship through active material actuation, facilitating lashing, attenuating tension, reducing slack, and/or facilitating unlashing, include selectively or passively modified lashing material and/or eyelets comprising active material elements.

Abstract: A binding system for use with a shoe has an elastic strap. A ratchet block is coupled to an end of the strap with a through slot, a cantilever tab capable of pivoting with a tooth thereon. A rack is adjustably coupled to the ratchet block, and has an array of teeth extending into the through slot, and a keyhole. An anchor posts extends through the eyelet of the shoe and the keyhole.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing an eyelet for a tarpaulin, the eyelet having upper and lower eyelet bodies each provided with a plurality of fixing protrusions formed in a shape of concentric circles on one surface thereof in such a manner that the plurality of fixing protrusions formed on the upper eyelet body confront to the plurality of fixing protrusions formed on the lower eyelet body, the method comprising the following steps of: a step of positioning the upper and lower eyelet bodies by using a conveying means in such a manner as to place the tarpaulin there between; a step of punching a given position on the tarpaulin fabric by means of a punching machine with an integrally-formed ultrasonic horn; a step of conveying the upper and lower eyelet bodies to a position of the ultrasonic horn and fusing the upper and lower eyelet bodies to the tarpaulin through the compression of the ultrasonic horn; a step of fusing a protruded part extending upwardly from the circumference of a

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a shoelace protector and methods thereof. In one shoelace protector, as disclosed herein, enclosure can be coupled to the eyelet and the upper section of the shoe. Instead, of using the fastening member to secure those components, eyelets can be incorporated with those features. The eyelets having the additional appendages can be incorporated when the shoe is manufactured or during use. The shoelace can be strung into the eyelet and through the bottom portion of the protector connecting with the eyelet. A top portion of the protector can surround the shoe lace on an exterior portion of the shoe. The shoelace can then be placed through the protector. In another embodiment, the protector does not have to be attached to the eyelet, but can be coupled to the vamp sections of the shoes removing the need for the fastening member.

Abstract: Provided is an eyelet in which a mounting strength to a material is equal to or higher than that in a two-piece type using a washer, and which can Solve a problem of an eyelet coming off of a mounting hole of the material due to material cutting or expansion and contraction of the material during swaging or in use. By holing the material between the tip of each of claws which have been cut and raised from a flange toward the material and the inner surface of a flange-backing portion, a mounting strength of the eyelet can be acquired without concentrating a material-pressing force at one place; the end of the flange-backing portion can be prevented from acting as a cutting edge to cut the material; and an additional position to hold the material is provided, which is different from the holding position by between the end of the flange-backing portion and the end of the flange.

Abstract: A securing assembly adapted for promoting a more secure relationship through active material actuation, facilitating lashing, attenuating tension, reducing slack, and/or facilitating unlashing, include selectively or passively modified lashing material and/or eyelets comprising active material elements.

Abstract: A device for securing shoelaces without needing to tie the shoelaces is disclosed. One embodiment of the device comprises a pair of small, planar fastener disks with an aperture cutout in each disk. Aglets at each end of a shoelace are inserted through fastener-disk apertures and the fasteners are slid down to a desired point or tension on the shoelace, next to one of the article of footwear's eyelets. Because the fastener disks develop a frictional grip on the shoelace, tension in the shoelace is substantially maintained. Importantly, the device can be used to simultaneously secure and article of footwear on a wearer's foot while providing a false impression that the article of footwear is untied and unsecured, a feature desired by the skateboarding community. Additionally, one or more such devices can be used to ornament an article of footwear on the exterior sides of footwear eyelets.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fastening article for fastening shoes having eyelets. The article comprises an elastomeric strap member with a thin cross-sectional area having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end define an aperture therein. The elastomeric strap member is proportionally sized to extend across a tongue area of said shoe and respectively align the first end aperture with a first eyelet of the shoe and the second end aperture with a second eyelet of said shoe. A first end fastening element attaches the first end of the strap member to the first eyelet. A second end fastening element attaches the second end of the strap member to the second eyelet. In operation, the article for fastening properly comfortably secures the shoe to a person.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ornamental attachment configured to be connected to a shoelace of a shoe, the ornamental attachment comprising a body and one or more brackets mounted to said body, the one or more brackets being configured such that in use a plurality of shoelace sections extend between eyelets of the shoe and the one or more brackets, wherein the one or more brackets are arranged such that in use the shoelace sections extend outwardly away from the body and outwardly away from one another. The present invention further relates to a combination of footwear and the ornamental attachment and to the use of an ornamental attachment for providing an ornament on a piece of footwear.

Abstract: A lacing system for footwear includes a plurality of elastic strips each secured between a different one of a plurality of paired eyelets of the footwear. A pair of hooks is coupled to each of the plurality of strips at opposite ends of each strip. Each of the pair of hooks has a hook end. At least one of the pair of hooks is selectively attacheable along a length of the strip at an end of the strip to increase or decrease the spring force between the corresponding pair of eyelets.

Abstract: A shoelace substitute approximates the look and function of a shoelace and includes a length of elastic material and two barbs. The barbs are each placed at and contain one of the ends of the elastic material, being crimped around the end of the elastic material to form a T. The barbs are sized to be inserted through eyelets of the shoe to connect opposite eyelets in the same manner as a shoelace. An associated method allows for replacement of the shoelace with a number of such shoelace substitutes, each connecting a pair of eyelets. The color and shape of the elastic material may be varied to coordinate with various kinds of shoes. The effect is to create a “slip-on” shoe from a “lace-up” shoe.

Abstract: A kit including (a) an article having a plurality of pairs of opposing eyelets, including a first pair of opposing eyelets near a top of the article and a second pair of opposing eyelets disposed beneath the first pair of opposing eyelets; (b) a first lace that is threadable through respective eyelets of the first pair of opposing eyelets and fixable at insides of the eyelets, said first lace having (i) a first elastic body; and (ii) one of a stop or openable stop on one end of the first body; and (iii) an openable stop on an opposite end of the first body; and (c) a second lace that is threadable through respective eyelets of the second pair of opposing eyelets and fixable at insides of the eyelets, said second lace having (i) a second elastic body; and (ii) one of a stop or openable stop on one end of the second body; and (iii) an openable stop on an opposite end of the second body; and wherein at least the openable stop on the opposite end of the first body can interlock with the openable stop on the oppos

Abstract: A device for binding shoelaces is disclosed. The device is provided on shoes having hook rings oppositely formed on both side of the instep thereof, the device comprising a binding member having a clutching plate formed with a clutching recess with a constant distance according to one side thereof; a receiving member having an opened slot at one side thereof so that the clutching plate is inserted in, a magnetic body attached on one side of the slot, and an installing recess formed in the direction vertical to the slot; and an adjusting member having a board typed pressing plate rotatably installed in the installing recess to be selectively attached to the magnetic body and receiving the pressing force, and a stopper protruded from one side of the pressing plate and selectively clutched in the clutching recess.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of a system for managing slack in a leash, such as when the leash is attached to a collar worn by an animal. In one exemplary embodiment, the system generally includes an elastic adapter and at least one eyelet operatively associated with the elastic adapter member. The eyelet includes an opening therethrough configured to frictionally receive at least a portion of the leash therein. A first member is adjacent a proximal end portion of the elastic adapter for anchoring, attaching, or engaging to the leash. A second member is adjacent a distal end portion of the elastic adapter for anchoring, attaching, or engaging to the leash.

Abstract: An article includes a fabric having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one hole through the outer surface and inner surface, a flexible grommet member comprising an outer portion and an inner portion, wherein the outer portion contacts the outer surface with a flange and engages the hole with an outer portion collar, wherein the inner portion contacts the inner surface with a flange and engages the hole with an inner portion collar, wherein the outer portion collar contacts the inner portion collar, wherein the outer portion collar and the inner portion collar are bonded, and wherein the flexible grommet member is configured to engage interchangeable logo buttons.

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 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 shoe with improved lacing means includes a shoe, shoe laces (14) and a hook and loop element pouch (10). On the underside, the side making contact with the shoe, are two openings (16) that are used to slide the shoelaces through. With the pouch (10) open, the shoelaces (14) are pushed through the holes (16), pulled firmly and then tied as usual. Place the tied shoelaces (14) down into the pouch (10). There is a hook and loop element strip (22) on the opening making it easy to close, while keeping laces (14) secure. The pouch (10) can be attached to the shoe by hook and loop element strips (18) on both the right and left underside of the pouch (10). The pouch (10) will keep the shoelaces (14) from loosening, snagging and untying.

Abstract: A heel for a shoe includes a first relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is walking while wearing a shoe having the heel and a second relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is dancing and wearing a shoe having the heel. A pair of shoes can have one or two such heels. Preferably, there is a lower-friction portion on the second relatively flat surface. The second relatively flat surface allows one to relatively easily spin while dancing, as compared to dancing with shoes having normal heels.

Abstract: A shoelace fastener is provided for a shoe that includes a shoelace having a pair of distal lace segments. The shoelace fastener includes a fastener body formed with a pair of through holes. Each of a pair of clamp members has a pivot portion partitioning a respective through hole into a lace entry side and a lace exit side. The distal lace segments are extendable through the lace entry side, over a respective clamp member, and into the lace exit side of a respective through hole in the fastener body. Tension applied by the shoe on the shoelace enables the clamp members to clamp the distal lace segments against the fastener body. Pulling of the fastener body through a pull unit results in loosening of the shoe.

Abstract: A lace tightening assembly is applied to a shoe body having eyelet tabs, and includes a mounting seat, a tightening member mounted pivotally in the mounting seat, and a pull cord for operating the tightening member to pivot between a shoe lace tightening position and a shoe lace loosening position.

Abstract: A structure of a U-shaped lace buckle is disclosed. The U-shaped lace buckle comprises a shallow trench located at a central region. A releasing hole and a fastening hole are disposed within the central hollow region. The dimension of the releasing hole is larger than that of fastening hole. The releasing hole and the fastening hole are connected by a gradually tapering hole, wherein the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with the releasing hole is larger and the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with fastening hole is smaller. And the fastening hole comprises a plurality of protruded elements projecting from the inner surface. Further, the lace buckle comprises a through channel that passes from one end to the other end and connected through an arch-shaped groove located in between said two ends.

Abstract: A lace tightening assembly is adapted for use with a shoe body having eyelet tabs, and includes a mounting seat mounted on one of the eyelet tabs, a tightening member mounted pivotally in the mounting seat, and an operating member for operating the tightening member to pivot between a shoe lace tightening position and a shoe lace loosening position.

Abstract: The invention related to a shoe fastening device and methods for its use. The device comprises a double ended clip hook with a flattened, contoured c-shape hook at both its two ends. An elastomeric fastener is grasped at one hook end of the double ended clip hook which is inserted manually into one of a pair of eyelets over the tongue of the shoe and then the elastic is stretched to the second eyelet of the pair to be securely held by the other hook end. Identifying tags or decorations can be a part of the fastener to be used with children's shoes or to identify an elderly or infirm wearer. Shoes that may utilize the device of this invention include oxfords, walking shoes, sneakers, athletic shoes, and boots designed for lacing.

Abstract: A fastener for lace includes an upper plate, a lower plate and first, second, third and fourth rods extending between the upper and lower plates. The upper and lower plates both include a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first and second rods extend between the first lateral edge of the upper plate and the first lateral edge of the lower plate. The third and fourth rods extend between the second lateral edge of the upper plate and the second lateral edge of the lower plate. A first length of lace is wound about the first rod and directed past the second rod. A second length of lace is wound about the third rod and directed past the fourth rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continual comfort adjusting fastener for a footwear article and provides an alternative to fasteners that necessitate periodic attention by the wearer in order to maintain a proper combination of support, fit and comfort by utilizing spring mechanisms to induce a predetermined amount of tension between opposing eye flaps of the footwear article. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the spring mechanism portion of the spring assembly that provides constant tension between eye flaps may be one of a tension spring, compression spring and torsion spring. The spring assembly is comprised substantially of a spring mechanism and may be fastened directly to eyelets in the footwear article. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the spring assembly is further comprised of locking eyelets which themselves are attached to the eye flap of the footwear article via rivets, thus replacing the eyelets.

Abstract: A speed lacing device for an article of footwear having a rigid portion comprising a curved neck and a fastening tail that together define an almost-friction-free sliding surface for a lacing cord, the lacing cord being in contact with the sliding surface in either a state of tension or a state of relaxation. The speed lacing device also having a flexible portion that extends from the rigid portion to form an upper half of a closed loop through which the lacing cord is threaded.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes six lace sections, a clamp member, and a decorative knot. The lower ends of the first to fourth lace sections are anchored on the eyelet tabs. The upper ends of the first and second lace sections and those of the fifth and sixth lace sections are interconnected to form first and second loops, respectively. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on medial portions of the first and second lace sections. The upper end of at least one of the third and fourth lace sections and the lower ends of the fifth and sixth lace sections are anchored on the clamp member. The decorative knot is secured on and is disposed externally of the clamp member between the first and second loops, and has a knot portion and two distal portions.

Abstract: A cordage for threading through an opening. An elastic cord is provided with an elongated shank component and at least one outwardly expandable component. When the cord is under tension, the expandable component shrinks to a diameter which is sufficient to enable its movement through an opening, such as an eyelet of a shoe. In response to the tension being released, the expandable component enlarges to a diameter which is sufficiently large to resist movement through the opening.

Abstract: A process for lacing shoes, for use with any shoe with lace-holes and any shoelace. The process results in shoelaces that follow a path that describes a double-helix, resulting in reduced friction and faster and easier tightening and loosening.

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: This invention discusses methods for forming an adjustable look between a ligature and a frame. Three methods of 2-Hole, 3-Hole and, Loop Turning along with their applications are discussed. Means for easy unlocking of the system are provided. Some of the many applications of the methods include usage in packaging and moving, in belt buckles, in bolts (including the scat belts), in tents pegs, in tents, in cargo covers, in convertible tops, in wearable items; including shoes clothing items, hair bows, helmets, gloves, etc., in luggage racks (including car top luggage racks).

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 fastener grommet assembly has a combining function of a fastener and a grommet. The fastener grommet includes two flange members each having an axial opening, a fastening mechanism formed on an outer surface thereof, the fastening mechanism having a plurality of protrusions and recesses which enables the assembly to receive the protrusions and recesses of a flange of a second such fastener grommet assembly.

Abstract: A handle for a carpet sample board is described comprising two grommets, each with an outer flange to cover the hole cut in the sample board, an arcuate section defining an ovular hand opening and thereby provide a comfortable grip while simultaneously preventing fraying of the hole in the board. The grommets are joined about the hole in the sample board by mating male and female plugs.

Abstract: An anchor for securing a net cord to a base layer such as carpeting or a thin layer of plastic has a spiral-shaped flange at the end of the anchor which is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the base layer when the anchor is installed. The spiral flange allows the anchor to be mounted to the base layer with a simple twisting motion and without requiring access to the rear surface of the base layer. The anchor is able to swivel freely about its axis yet is highly resistant to being pulled out of the hole. An installation tool has prongs for engaging detent bumps on the anchor and is used by a worker to hold the anchor while it is being mounted the base layer.