Abstract: An elastically deformable braided string whose intermediate part excluding both end areas can deform elastically in the direction of axis under an external pulling force, wherein the intermediate part is divided into/constituted by multiple areas having different tensile moduli in the direction of axis. The above elastically deformable braided string can be applied for various purposes.

Abstract: A elastically deformable string includes an outer layer and a core material placed inside the outer layer, wherein the outer layer has knob parts that are constituted by loosely woven outer layer yarns and elastically deformable, and link parts that are constituted by densely woven outer layer yarns and have a smaller diameter than the knob parts, wherein the loosely woven outer layer yarns are woven more loosely than are the densely woven outer layer using same yarns, and the core material is constituted by a stretchable string and placed inside the knob parts in a slackened and/or meandering state. The elastically deformable string is suitable for shoes, for example, as a shoelace which does not require knots.

Abstract: Described herein is a flexible but resilient material comprising a soft outside shell and an internal flexible but resilient support core, as well as a method for constructing such a flexible but resilient material that can have multiple applications, including being used to manufacture an improved wearable apparatus to help young children, individuals who are physically challenged, and/or who have a limiting physical disability.

Abstract: Described is a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, wherein the shoe upper is laceless and comprises: (a.) a lateral portion; (b.) a medial portion; and (c.) at least an elastic intermediate portion between the lateral portion and the medial portion, wherein the stiffness of at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion is at least 2 times higher than the stiffness of the elastic intermediate portion.

Abstract: Described herein is a flexible but resilient material comprising a soft outside shell and an internal flexible but resilient support core, as well as a method for constructing such a flexible but resilient material that can have multiple applications, including being used to manufacture an improved shoelace to help young children, individuals who are physically challenged, and/or who have a limiting physical disability.

Abstract: An elastic cord having at least one tapered protruding portion along its length, wherein the extent of protrusion is reduced when the cord is axially stretched, and returns to its original size when the cord is relaxed, is described. One embodiment includes an elastic core about which a flexible sheath is fitted, wherein chosen axially spaced-apart portions of the sheath form tapered isolates or knots in accordance with selected patterns for protrusions therein when the elastic core is in its relaxed state. Such knots are formed when the sheath is cause to bunch up at these axial locations. Sheath patterns may be achieved by employing a woven structure for the sheath. The protruding portions or knots reversibly resist movement of the elastic cord through an opening having a chosen size, such as an eyelet of a shoe.

Abstract: A braided goggle strap for use with a pair of swimming goggles includes a plurality of bands that are braided together to form a flat, braided goggle strap. Each of the plurality of bands includes an elastic material this is protected by a resilient fabric material to provide superior mechanical properties that results in even stress distribution and minimal sinusoidal stress when worn by a user. The composite reinforcement of the braided goggle strap also provides added comfort. The braided goggle strap includes a spring-biased fastener for adjustably attaching the braided strap onto a user's head, includes eye loops to more easily thread the braided goggle strap through apertures provided on a pair of swimming goggles, and comes in a variety of different colors.

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: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tying lace constructed of an outer braided cover having a first thread type and a second thread type. The second thread type is formed from a different material and/or has a different cross-sectional area than the first thread type. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional area is at least twice that of the first thread type. Additionally, the second thread type may be of a material having higher elastic properties and/or a greater coefficient of friction than the first thread type. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the tying lace is constructed with an elastic core extending the length of the tying lace.

Abstract: Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof can include a unitary or one-piece body having first and second ends configured and operative to be coupled together or to be coupled to their respective complement in another of said fastening devices. The first end can include a ring or annular portion and a projection that are sized and shaped to fit around an anchor and in an orifice, respectively, of the second end. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof according to embodiments may be used with items, including footwear, apparel, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, football or lacrosse shoulder pads, or the like.

Abstract: In the conventional lace with knobby portions having elastic rubber core, there is difference in degree of stretch between both ends and core of the knobby portion. Therefore, there are a portion that is subjected to heavy stretching force and a portion that is subjected to no stretching force, and when large strain is accumulated at the boundary between the portions subjected to different stretching forces and the strain reaches the limit, the lace ruptures. In order to solve the above problem, we provide a lace provided with tubular lace body of elastic material, comprising knobby portions repeatedly placed at intervals, of which diameter vary depending on tension on the knobby portion in an axial direction.

Abstract: In the conventional lace with knobby portions having elastic rubber core, there is difference in degree of stretch between both ends and core of the knobby portion. Therefore, there are a portion that is subjected to heavy stretching force and a portion that is subjected to no stretching force, and when large strain is accumulated at the boundary between the portions subjected to different stretching forces and the strain reaches the limit, the lace ruptures. In order to solve the above problem, we provide a lace provided with tubular lace body of elastic material, comprising knobby portions repeatedly placed at intervals, of which diameter vary depending on tension on the knobby portion in an axial direction.

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: An elastic cord having at least one tapered protruding portion along its length, wherein the extent of protrusion is reduced when the cord is axially stretched, and returns to its original size when the cord is relaxed, is described. One embodiment includes an elastic core about which a flexible sheath is fitted, wherein chosen axially spaced-apart portions of the sheath form tapered isolates or knots in accordance with selected patterns for protrusions therein when the elastic core is in its relaxed state. Such knots are formed when the sheath is cause to bunch up at these axial locations. Sheath patterns may be achieved by employing a woven structure for the sheath. The protruding portions or knots reversibly resist movement of the elastic cord through an opening having a chosen size, such as an eyelet of a shoe.

Abstract: Accessory systems and methods are provided. An accessory may be designed with two loops (such as an elastomeric strap or two elastic loops) attached to the back of a decorative ornament using, for example, an interlocking post. The accessory may be removably attached to footwear. The ornament may rest on the upper part of a shoe, while the two elastic loops secure the ornament by coming together underneath the shoe strap, upper or lace to form a single combined loop and then flipping over the ornament, thereby holding it in place. These accessory ornaments may be moved from shoe to shoe, allowing the wearer to create their own look. In addition, the wearer may change the ornament on the same shoe, changing the look of that one shoe, depending on the chosen ornament. The accessory ornament may be attached to other objects, such as ski poles, helmets, goggles, bike handle bars, zippers, and purses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tying lace constructed of an outer braided cover having a first thread type and a second thread type. The second thread type is formed from a different material and/or has a different cross-sectional area than the first thread type. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional area is at least twice that of the first thread type. Additionally, the second thread type may be of a material having higher elastic properties and/or a greater coefficient of friction than the first thread type. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the tying lace is constructed with an elastic core extending the length of the tying lace.

Abstract: A shoelace structure includes an elastic shoelace having two end sections on two ends thereof and a mediate section is located between the two end sections. Two end pieces are connected to the two end sections and each have a securing section and an engaging section which extends along a longitudinal direction from the securing section. The securing sections are respectively mounted to the end sections and the engaging sections extend toward the mediate section. The shoelace is free from the engaging sections which contact against the shoe to keep the shoelace to be tightened by the elasticity of the shoelace.

Abstract: An elastic cord comprising an elongated string having a first end and an opposite second end. An outer cover is formed from polymer material such as an air permeable, hydrophobic wicking fiber material. The outer cover may be formed of a recycled material. The outer cover surrounds an elastic core. The elastic core can be made of a polymer or a rubber material. The core material may be formed from a recycled material.

Abstract: A knot retainer (1) for preventing a knot (2) comprising a knot body (8) from unintentionally becoming undone. The retainer comprises a plate-like member (3) and at least one thread-like member (4). The plate-like member (3) comprises a first end (5) and a second end (6) opposite the first end. The plate-like member further comprises first fastening means (10, 12, 13) for attaching and holding a first portion (16) of the thread-like member at or near the first end and second fastening means (11, 14, 15) for attaching and holding a second portion (17) of the thread-like member at or near the second end. The at least one thread-like member comprises at least a third portion (18) and a fourth portion (19) for being arranged adjacent the knot body on opposite sides thereof. At least one of the plate-like member and the thread-like member is elastic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step fastening device, a process for creating a fastener utilizing such a device, and the end fastener produced thereby. In this regard, the invention uses an outer, hollow fastener material that can be partially compressed under tension at designated areas (i.e., a compression member) and an inner activation or tensioning member. The compression of the outer fastener material occurs at one or more flexible areas or compression features specifically located on the longitudinal axis of the material. As a result, the outer compression member is capable of being distorted or bent under tension to produce a predetermined configuration. The device described herein has the ability to form specific and controllable fasteners of designated shapes and configurations. Methods for fastening, snaring, gripping, cutting, and manipulating material using the device in a confined space are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-purpose shoelace structure comprises a shoelace flatly woven via multiple layers of side-by-side warps yarns and weft yarns interlacing back and forth the warp yarns thereof. A left and a right branches are formed by the interlaced warp and weft yarns respectively with a multiple of interwoven sections disposed at preset positions of the left and right branches thereon, and a multiple of elastic tying sections, each separated from the others via the interwoven sections thereof, equidistantly defined by the left and right branches thereof. When the shoelace is stringed through buttonholes of a shoe body and tied up into a knot, both ends of the shoelace are led through the elastic tying sections thereof and be held there-between at the left and right branches thereof for double protection in case the knot gets loose when the users are walking, running, or cycling. Both ends of the shoelace can also be led through the elastic tying sections in crisscross manner for more variety thereof.

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 stretchable string (100) having a first cross sectional diameter at rest and a second smaller cross sectional diameter when stretched. An aglet (200) positioned on the string. The aglet has an inner cross sectional diameter that is smaller than the cross sectional diameter of the string at rest and approximate to the cross sectional diameter of the string when it is sufficiently elongated. The aglet is moved along the string when the string is sufficiently elongated. The aglet can be repositioned along the string by stretching the string such that the diameter of the string is approximate to the inner diameter of the aglet. Excess string can then be removed.

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 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: The present invention provides a unique safety sleeve elastic device having an elastic member of a certain longitudinal length. The elastic member provides stretching capability of up to seven times the elastic member's original length depending on the material selected. A flexible sleeve member is disposed around the elastic member. The sleeve member is less elastic than the elastic member and provides a stretch limitation to the elastic member to prevent a user from stretching the elastic member beyond a safe elongation. The ends of the sleeve and elastic members are secured proximate to one another. The ends of the elastic members are further secured to connectors. The elastic member provides stretch capability while the sleeve member provides safety features to protect the elastic member and the user.