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: A lacing apparatus is provided comprising a lace which maybe threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of an article; a connector for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and a mechanical locking device for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lacing apparatus is provided comprising a lace which maybe threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of an article; a connector for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and a mechanical locking device for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

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: A lacing apparatus comprising a lace having a first and a second end and of sufficient length to be threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of one or more articles. The lacing apparatus also comprises a locking collar having respective input and output apertures that receive the first and second ends of the lace, and which the first and second ends of the lace pass, respectively. The locking collar releasably secures the lace inward on the length of the lace from at least one of the first and second ends. A locking mechanism is adapted to releasably receive the lace so that a portion of the lace forms a loop between the first and second end of the lace at a first end of the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism is adapted to adjust the length of the loop.

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: A lacing apparatus comprising a lace having a first and a second end and of sufficient length to be threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of one or more articles. The lacing apparatus also comprises a locking collar having respective input and output apertures that receive the first and second ends of the lace, and which the first and second ends of the lace pass, respectively. The locking collar releasably secures the lace inward on the length of the lace from at least one of the first and second ends. A locking mechanism is adapted to releasably receive the lace so that a portion of the lace forms a loop between the first and second end of the lace at a first end of the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism is adapted to adjust the length of the loop.

Abstract: Lacing apparatus comprising a lace which may be threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of one or more articles; connecting means for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and mechanical locking means for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lacing apparatus is provided comprising a lace which maybe threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of an article; a connector for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and a mechanical locking device for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.