SHOELACE PROTECTOR AND METHODS THEREOF

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.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/215,417 titled SHOELACE PROTECTOR AND METHODS THEREOF to Nicholas Smith that was filed on Aug. 23, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to shoes, and more particularly, to a guard that prevents a shoelace from being frayed or damaged.

BACKGROUND

At the 2011 X Games in Los Angeles, Calif., Shaun White earned his second gold medal in vertical skateboarding. During the competition, he was able to perform tricks to top his competitors. His skills as well as his equipment provided success. Not only was the type of board he used vital, but his footwear was important as well. Skate shoes designed and manufactured especially for his use made his achievements possible. The design of his skate shoe included many features for use in skateboarding.

Skate shoe companies have integrated a number of special features into their shoes. These innovations have a number of functions including preventing heel bruises and increasing a “skateboard feel” through increased flexibility and enhancing grip. Many features of a skate shoe are designed to increase their durability. Skate shoes are subjected to the abrasiveness of a skateboard's grip tape on a regular basis when worn by skaters. Super suede, action leather, and plastic underlying the toe cap can help increase the durability of a skate shoe. Other common features include triple stitching with thicker treads to prevent ripping, more width so that there is more contact with the board with thicker tongues and sides to compensate and deep sole patterns for grip.

In addition, lace loops and protectors are designed to prevent laces from shredding by shielding the most common areas that contact with grip tape. Nevertheless, current guards are either too expensive or do not provide the durability within today's competitions. Furthermore, these devices do not address where the shoelace is most likely to break, that is, where the shoelace bends after coming out of an eyelet. A need therefore exists for a shoelace protector that overcomes these, as well as other related, challenges.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for protecting a shoelace on a shoe is provided. The device can include a top portion enclosing the shoelace of the shoe and a bottom portion secured to a top of an eyelet.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a shoe is provided. The shoe can include a sole, an upper connected to the sole, the upper comprising a first vamp section and a second vamp section and a plurality of eyelets in the vamp sections and a lace-binding system for drawing the vamp sections together comprising a plurality of eyelets. In addition, the shoe can include at least one guard coupled to an eyelet. Each guard can include a curved top portion providing protection to the lace where the lace bends and a bottom portion securing the guard to a top of the eyelet.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of protecting a lace is provided. The method can include securing a lace guard with an eyelet to a vamp section, placing the lace through the eyelet and the lace guard, placing the lace through a top portion of the lace guard where the lace bends and pulling the lace through the top portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like-parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary shoelace protector in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a closer top perspective see-through view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a closer side angled view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the exemplary shoelace protector opposite the eyelet side of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 1 being inserted into an eyelet of an illustrative shoe; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 1 being inserted into the eyelet of the illustrative shoe;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 1 inserted into the eyelet of the illustrative shoe;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 1 inserted into the eyelet of the illustrative shoe;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an exemplary shoelace protector in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is another view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 9 with a shoelace laced therethrough;

FIG. 13 is a turned side view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 9;

and

FIG. 14 is a top view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Generally described, the present disclosure relates to footwear. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a shoelace protector and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the 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. One or more shoelace protectors can be fitted into 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.

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.

A number of advantages can be offered by the illustrative embodiment described above. The shoelace protector provides a guard at the most critical portion of the shoelace, that is, where the shoelace bends at the eyelets. The protector allows for durability expected among top skaters for performing tricks or other maneuvers. Instead of covering the entire shoelace, a small portion of the shoelace is covered. The protector allows the shoelace to be mostly exposed. In addition, the shoelace protector can be easy to install without re-lacing the shoe. Many additional advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art as provided for in the following description.

An environment in which the shoelace protector can be used will be shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 2 through 4 then provide different views of the shoelace protector. Thereafter, a method for inserting the shoelace protector will be described in FIGS. 5 through 8. FIGS. 9 through 14 will provide a shoelace protector providing a different way to fasten it to an eyelet. For purposes of the present disclosure, the term shoelace protector can also be referred to as a guard or protector and can be interchanged throughout. Shoelace can be referred to as a string or rope and can be interchangeable within the present disclosure. While primarily described in skateboarding applications, i.e. shoes, the protector can be used in other areas, for example, clothes. The clothes can have eyelets and laces to tie ends of an article. Other larger applications can use features of the protector described herein. For example, any application where a string, rope or chain can be used and bends.

Turning to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of an exemplary shoelace protector 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is provided. The protector 100 can be placed within a shoe 102 or other item where a lace 114 can be used. The shoe 102 can include a sole 104, an upper 106 connected to the sole 104, vamp sections 108 connected to the upper 106 and a plurality of eyelets 112 in the vamp sections 108. Typically, the eyelets 112 are used to prevent tearing of a hole through the vamp sections 108 thereby providing structural integrity. The eyelets 112 can be circular or be made in another shape. Typically, the eyelet 112 punctures through the cloth or leather of the shoe 102. In one embodiment, the eyelets 112 can be made of metal, plastic, rubber or the like. Alternatively, not all shoes have eyelets 112 made out of these materials. Instead, the eyelets 112 can be merely punctures within the vamp sections 108.

A lace-binding system can be incorporated into the shoe 102. The system can be used for drawing the vamp sections 108 together through the use of the eyelets 112 and the shoelace 114. The shoelace 114 can be made of leather, cotton, jute or other materials used in the manufacture of rope. The lace-binding system can secure the user's foot to the shoe 102 through a process known as lacing. Numerous types of lacing are known to those skilled in the relevant art. These processes can include criss-cross lacing, double-helix lacing, and check-board lacing. Each shoelace 114 typically passes through a series of eyelets 112, as described above, on either side of the shoe 102. Loosening the shoelaces 114 allows the shoe 102 to open wide enough for the foot to be inserted or removed. Tightening the shoelaces 114 and tying off the ends secures the foot within the shoe 102.

As shown by the lacing, the shoelace 114 bends at the eyelets 112. Typically, these bends are the first areas where the shoelace 114 can become frayed or damaged. While using a skateboard, the fray or damage in the shoelace 114 can become more apparent at the lower eyelets 112. To prevent this, as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom two eyelets 112 have shoelace protectors 100. This is generally not intended to protect the entire shoelace 114. Instead, the shoelace protector 100 can be designed to protect a skateboarder's laces 114 where the skateboard makes contact with the shoe 102, and in particular, the grip tape found on skateboards. In other embodiments, each of the eyelets 112 can have a shoelace protector 100. Alternatively, a different combination of placing the shoelace protectors 100 can be provided. While only one shoe 102 is shown, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the shoelace protectors 100 can be placed on another shoe 102 with similar features.

FIG. 2 is a closer top perspective see-through view of the exemplary shoelace protector 100 of FIG. 1. The shoelace protector 100 is intended to be fit into individual eyelets 112. When measuring the protector 100, it can vary in size, but is generally only millimeters in length and width. The protector 100 can include a fastening member 202, enclosure 204 and upper section 206. Each of these sections can be made of plastic. Alternatively, these sections can be made of a variety of other materials that provide durability, for example, rubber, metal, etc. While described below as separate pieces, the shoelace protector 100 can be thought of as a single piece.

The fastening member 202 can be the portion of the shoelace protector 100 that couples it to the shoe 102. The member 202 can take on the form of an elongated semicircular section as shown in FIG. 2. The semicircular section 202 can have a height such that it extends above and below the vamp sections 108 through the eyelets 112. Alternatively, the fastening member 202 can be positioned below the vamp sections 108 and under the eyelets 112 altogether. The fastening member 202, in one embodiment, can include a full circular portion. It is intended, however, that the protector 100 can be easily inserted and removed hence, the semicircular shape. In one embodiment, the fastening member 202 can be provided in a number of determined shapes and sizes, for example, the member 202 can be formed as a half square such that it can be placed through a square eyelet 112.

The bottom of the fastening member 202 can be coupled to a flare or collar 210. The collar 210 can extend upwards as shown in FIG. 4, which provides for a side view of the exemplary shoelace protector 100 opposite the eyelet side 112 of FIG. 1. The collar 210 can prevent the shoelace protector 100 from slipping out. The collar 210 can have a relatively flat bottom to provide comfort to the user. There can be a number of different types of mechanisms that can hold the protector 100 into place through the eyelet 112. The fastening member 202 can also have a top edge 212 as shown in FIG. 2. The edge 212 can be further used to prevent the member 202 from slipping out of the eyelet 112. While several embodiments of the fastening member 202 have been provided, numerous implementations can be realized and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The enclosure 204 of the shoelace protector 100 will now be disclosed. The enclosure 204, in one embodiment, can have an extending curved portion. This curved portion 204 can extend perpendicularly or normal from the fastening member 202. When placed within the eyelet 112 the enclosure 204 can point or be directed towards a centerline of the shoe or lacing. In one embodiment, the enclosure 204 can form an arch as more clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. When the shoelace 114 is bent at the eyelet 112, the arch or enclosure 204 can protect the shoelace 114 from becoming damaged. The shoelace 114, at the bend, is most likely to come in contact with the skateboard as described earlier. Pressure and friction applied to the angle formed by the shoelace 114 is thereby removed through the use of the enclosure 204.

While the enclosure 204 is generally not in contact with the shoelace 114, it can provide a barrier to which a buffer is created from the contact. The tension on the shoelace 114 tends to make the shoelace 114 bend on the eyelet 112 without making contact with the shoelace protector 100. The enclosure 204 surrounds the shoelace 114 from the exterior of the shoe 102. The enclosure 204, as shown in the FIGURES, does not entirely surround the shoelace 114. Instead, the enclosure 204 protects only one side whereby the shoelace 114 is allowed to operate normally and rub against the eyelet 112 and the vamp section 108. By providing this type of enclosure 204, the shoelace protector 100 can be easily inserted onto the eyelet 112 and the shoelace 114. The enclosure 204 protects the shoelace 114 from exterior forces at the bend at the eyelet 112 on a top portion of the shoelace 114. The enclosure 204, as such, can provide an underneath portion whereby the shoelace 114 can be seen stretched around the eyelet 112. Generally, the enclosure 204 tapers in and follows the shoelace 114 into the eyelet 112.

An upper section 206 of the shoelace protector 100 can be coupled to the enclosure 204 shown in FIGS. 2 through 4. The shoelace 114 can be received from the enclosure 204 and then fit through the upper section 206. The upper section 206 can take the form of a bracket. In one embodiment, the bracket 206 can have a rectangular shape. The bracket 206 can include an insertion slit 250 that extends the length of the bracket 206. Referring to FIG. 3, a closer side angled view of the exemplary shoelace protector 100 of FIG. 1 is provided. Through this slit 250, the shoelace 114 can be inserted therethrough without ever having to re-lace the shoe 102. This can provide for easy replacement of the shoelace protector 100.

On the interior of the upper section 206, the bracket 206 can have a top 402, side sections 404 and bottom sections 406 as shown in FIG. 4. The bottom sections 406, in one embodiment, do not connect with one another. These disconnected bottom sections 406 can form the slit 250 for inserting the shoelace 114. The width and length of the bracket 206 can vary depending on the shoe 102 and the shoelace 114. Generally, the length of the bracket 206 covers the area of the shoelace 114 that comes into contact with the skateboard.

In one embodiment, the bracket 206 can include tacks or fastening mechanisms 302. The tacks 302 can be secured to the bottom sections 406 of the bracket 206. Alternatively, the tacks 302 can be placed on any of the sections on the interior of the bracket 206. When the shoelace 114 is inserted, the tacks 302 can prevent the shoelace 114 from shifting or moving. In one embodiment, no tacks 302 are used.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a top perspective view of the exemplary shoelace protector 100 of FIG. 1 being inserted into an eyelet 112 of an illustrative shoe 102 is provided. As shown, the shoelace 114 bends at the eyelet 112. To protect this portion of the shoelace 114, the shoelace protector 100 can be inserted therethrough. The collar 210 can be inserted into the eyelet 112 by pushing the shoelace protector 100 through, as indicated by the arrow. A portion of the fastening member 202 can extend above and below the eyelet 112. In one embodiment, the member 202 can be positioned wholly below the eyelet 112 or the vamp section 108. FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary shoelace protector 100 of FIG. 1 being inserted into the eyelet 112 of the illustrative shoe 102.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the exemplary shoelace protector 100 of FIG. 1 inserted into the eyelet 112 of the illustrative shoe 102. As shown, the fastening member 202 has been coupled to the shoe 102 through the eyelet 112. The shoelace 114 can be pulled through the eyelet 112 and past the fastening member 202. The shoelace 114 can then be placed under the enclosure 204. Generally, the enclosure 204 does not touch the shoelace 114 as it bends across the eyelet 112 and goes through the upper section 206. The shoelace 114 can be protected by the enclosure 114 on the side that is normally exposed, that is, where it would contact the skateboard. When contact is made on the outer side of the enclosure 204, the pressure can be absorbed by the enclosure 204 and not at the shoelace 114 bend. The shoelace 114 can be then strung into the upper section 206 through the inlet 250.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the exemplary shoelace protector 100 of FIG. 1 inserted into the eyelet 112 of the illustrative shoe 102. In this embodiment, the fastening member 202 can be inserted below the eyelet 112 and vamp 108. The member 202 can come in a variety of configurations and be placed below or above the eyelet 112 and vamp 108, as shown in the previous description. A number of tacks 302 can be supported on the upper section 206 to prevent the shoelace 114 from moving. The tacks 302 can be placed in the interior of the upper section 206. The tacks 302 can be placed at other locations on the upper section 206 such as on an outer portion. While embodiments have been shown for inserting or applying the protector 100 to the shoelace 114, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other methods exist. For example, the shoelace 114 can be re-laced while inserting the protectors 100 thereon. Nevertheless, it is intended that the protector 100 be easily inserted to provide protection to the shoelace 114 without re-lacing.

As shown in the previous FIGURES, a number of embodiments of the present disclosure exist. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a device 100 for protecting a shoelace 114 on a shoe 102 can be provided. The device 100 can include a fastening member 202 inserted to an eyelet 112 of the shoe 102 receiving the shoelace 114. In addition, the device 100 can include an enclosure 204 coupled to the fastening member 202 surrounding the shoelace 114 on an exterior of the shoe 102. The device 100 can also include an upper section 206 coupled to the enclosure 204 securing the shoelace 114.

In one embodiment, the fastening member 202 can include a semicircular elongated section, wherein the semicircular elongated section 202 can be placed within the eyelet 112 of the shoe 102. In one embodiment, the semicircular elongated section 202 can include a flared or collared side 210 placed within the eyelet 112 of the shoe 102 for securing the device 100 to the shoe 102. In one embodiment, the semicircular elongated section 202 can secure the shoelace 114 on an interior side. In one embodiment, the semicircular elongated section 202 can be positioned below the eyelet 112 and rise above the eyelet 112.

In one embodiment, the enclosure 204 can include an extending curved portion whereby the extending curved portion 204 can be coupled to the fastening member 202 perpendicularly and extend towards a centerline of the shoe 102. In one embodiment, the extending curved portion 204 can be positioned above the shoelace 114 wherein the shoelace 114 bends out of the eyelet 112.

In one embodiment, the upper section 206 can include a rectangular bracket having a narrow slit 250 formed along a length of the rectangular bracket 206. In one embodiment, the rectangular bracket 206 can include at least one tack 302 on an interior portion securing the shoelace 114. In one embodiment, the at least one tack 302 can be positioned at a bottom 406 of the interior portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a shoe 102 is provided. The shoe 102 can include a sole 104 and an upper 106 connected to the sole 104, the upper 106 can include a first vamp section 108 and a second vamp section 108 and a plurality of eyelets 112 in the vamp sections 108. In addition, the shoe 102 can include a lace-binding system for drawing the vamp sections 108 together having a plurality of eyelets 112. The shoe 102 can also include at least one lace guard 100 positioned within the plurality of eyelets 112. Each of the lace guards 100 can include a semicircular section 202 receiving a lace 114. In addition, the lace guards 100 can include a curved portion 204 coupled to the semicircular section 202 providing protection to the lace 114 where the lace 114 bends. The lace guards 100 can also include a bracket 206 coupled to the curved portion 204 guiding the lace 114.

In one embodiment, the at least two lace guard 100 can be positioned at eyelets 112 lowest on the shoe 102. In one embodiment, the semicircular section 202 can include a flare or collared bottom portion 210. In one embodiment, the semicircular section 202 can be placed within an eyelet 112 of the shoe 102. In one embodiment, the semicircular section 202 can be positioned below a vamp section 108 and can extend to a position above. In one embodiment, the bracket 206 can include at least one tack 302 on an interior portion securing the lace 114. In one embodiment, the lace guard 100 can be made of at least one of a metal, plastic and rubber.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of protecting a lace 114 is provided. The method can include providing a lace guard 100 having a fastening member 202, enclosure 204 and upper section 206 and securing the lace guard 100 by placing the fastening member 202 into an eyelet 112. In addition, the method can include placing the lace 114 through the eyelet 112 and fastening member 202 and placing the lace 114 through the enclosure 204 where the lace 114 bends. The method can also include pulling the lace 114 through the upper section 206.

In one embodiment, wherein placing the lace 114 through the enclosure 204 where the lace 114 bends can include positioning the lace 114 under the enclosure 204. In one embodiment, the method can include securing the lace 114 within the upper section 206 by providing tacks 302 within an interior portion of the upper section. In one embodiment, the method can include securing a second lace guard 100 on a second eyelet 112 opposite to the lace guard 100.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a top perspective view of an exemplary shoelace protector 900 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The protector 900 can be incorporated into an eyelet 112. Similar to before, the shoelace 114 of the shoe 102 can be strung through the vamp sections and the eyelet 112. The protector 900 can then be placed thereon. The protector 900 can be permanently fixed. The protector 900 and the eyelet 112 can be manufactured into the shoe 102 or can be placed within the shoe 102 when used. A number of different embodiments and variations can be provided, some of which were described above.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the exemplary shoelace protector 900 of FIG. 9. As shown, the fastening member 202 of the previous shoelace protector 100 has been removed. Nevertheless, the protector 900 can still be securely fastened to the eyelet 112. The eyelet 112 can include a top section 1002 and a bottom section 1004. Through the top section 1002, the protector 900 can be secured.

In one embodiment, the top section 1002 and the bottom section 1004 of the eyelet 112 can come in separate pieces. The top section 1002 can have the protector 900 directly coupled to it. The bottom section 1004 of the eyelet 112 can be placed into an aperture of the vamp section 108. The top section 1002 can then be connected to it. A number of mechanisms can be used to connect the two. For example, a latch system known to those skilled in the relevant art will be capable of coupling the sections 1002 and 1004 together.

The protector 900 can have a top portion 1010. The top portion 1010 can protect the shoelace 114. The top portion 1010 can curve from one side of the eyelet 112 to a horizontal position. The protector 900 can also have a bottom portion 1012. The bottom portion 1012 can begin at the top section 1002 of the eyelet 112 and extend past the eyelet 112. The bottom portion 1012 can hold onto the top section 1002 of the eyelet 112 or at least a section thereof. FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the exemplary shoelace protector 900 of FIG. 9. A section of the bottom portion 1012 of the protector 900, as shown, can extend past the eyelet 112.

The bottom portion 1012 is opened at one end and typically not fully enclosed. FIG. 12 is a side view of the exemplary shoelace protector of FIG. 9 with a shoelace 114 laced therethrough. FIG. 13 is a turned side view of the exemplary shoelace protector 900 of FIG. 9, while FIG. 14 is a top view of the exemplary shoelace protector 900 of FIG. 9.

While the primary goal of securing the protectors 100 and 900 occurred on the eyelet 112, they can also be secured through other methods. For example, the protectors 100 and 900 can be fastened into the vamp section 108 of the shoe 102. Other apertures can be incorporated into the vamp section 108 that allows the protectors 100 and 900 to cover the bend on the shoelace 114. For example, a slit can be provided next to the eyelet 112.

The protectors 100 and 900 can be designed with hinges such that their top portions, that protect the bend of the shoelace 114, can flip up and down. When flipped up, the shoelace 114 can be strung through the eyelet 112. The shoelace 114 can be covered, and thereby protected, when the top portion is placed down. A variety of mechanisms can be used for lifting up and down the top portion of the protectors 100 and 900.

The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A device for protecting a shoelace on a shoe comprising:

a top portion enclosing the shoelace of the shoe; and

a bottom portion secured to a top of an eyelet.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the eyelet comprises a top section and a bottom section, the bottom potion of the device connected to the top section.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the top section and bottom section of the eyelet fit through a vamp section of the shoe.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion protects a bend of the shoelace.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is opened at one end.

6. A shoe comprising:

a sole;

an upper connected to the sole, the upper comprising a first vamp section and a second vamp section and a plurality of eyelets in the vamp sections;

a lace-binding system for drawing the vamp sections together comprising a plurality of eyelets; and

at least one guard coupled to an eyelet, each guard comprising: a curved top portion providing protection to the lace where the lace bends; a bottom portion securing the guard to a top of the eyelet.

7. The shoe of claim 6, wherein the eyelet comprises a top section and a bottom section.

8. The shoe of claim 6, wherein the bottom portion of the guard is above a vamp section.

9. A method of protecting a lace comprising:

securing a lace guard with an eyelet to a vamp section;

placing the lace through the eyelet and the lace guard;

placing the lace through a top portion of the lace guard where the lace bends; and

pulling the lace through the top portion.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein securing the lace guard with the eyelet to the vamp section comprises placing a top section of the eyelet having the lace guard through the vamp section and connecting the top section with a bottom section placed underneath the vamp section.