Abstract: A shoelace knot retainer comprises top and bottom portions which are preferably hinged together. The bottom portion includes parallel side walls spaced by an opening which receives the shoelaces. The top portion includes ribs which lie adjacent the side walls when the top is engaged over the bottom. When the retainer is placed over a knot such that the knot is received between the side walls, the ends of the shoelace and the tips of the bow lie over the side walls and are clamped by the ribs when the top is engaged over the bottom. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs and the sidewalls have serrated edges to assist in gripping the shoelace.

Abstract: An improved shoelace knot retainer has a protective shoulder surrounding a bell which prevents the bell from becoming detached by the application of an external force, such as that caused by a child's crawling on the floor, by a child's chewing on the bell, or by the heel of a kicking shoe.