SHOELACE SECUREMENT

Abstract

A shoelace securement device includes a first clasp including a female portion and a first flange having first inner and outer surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge. A second clasp includes a second flange having second inner and outer surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge and a male post extending from a proximal end near the second flange inner surface to a distal end remote from the second flange. The male post being configured for receipt through a shoe eyelet and within the female portion to selectively couple the first and second clasps. The female portion, the male post or both are configured to engage a shoelace strung through the shoe eyelet. A system for shoelace securement includes means for extending into a shoe eyelet, means for engaging a shoe exterior surface, means for insertion into the means for extending and means for engaging a shoe interior surface.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/690,794 titled “Strate laced shoe lace locks” of Jeffery Allen Siegfreid, filed on Jul. 6, 2012 and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

It has become fashionable, often by teenagers but not so limited, to wear shoes with the laces left untied. Others, such as toddlers and small children, or elderly or handicapped, may find it difficult or an inconvenience to tie their shoelaces. Thus, they may simply slip their feet into their shoes without tying the shoelaces. Unfortunately, untied shoelaces tend to loosen; sometimes to the extent that a shoe is no longer comfortably held to the foot and can even become a tripping hazard. While hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®) has been used to fasten shoes, these type of fasteners are often considered unfashionable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an example unassembled shoelace securement device.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the example shoelace securement device of FIG. 1A in an unassembled state.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 1A-B in an assembled state.

FIG. 2A illustrates insertion of the example shoelace securement device of FIG. 1A-C into a shoe eyelet already containing a shoelace.

FIG. 2B illustrates the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 1A-C assembled to the shoe and securing the shoelace.

FIG. 2C illustrates a partial cut-away of a shoe eyelet with a shoelace secured by the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 1A-C.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an example shoelace wrapping around a female post during rotation of a flange.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the example shoelace securement device of FIG. 3A in a rotated position with shoelace wrapped around the device stem.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view of another example shoelace securement device in an unassembled state.

FIG. 4B illustrates a back perspective view of the example shoelace securement device of FIG. 4A in an unassembled state.

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 4A-B in an unassembled state.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another example shoelace securement device in an assembled state.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of another example shoelace securement device in an assembled state.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of an example piercing shoelace securement device in an assembled state.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the example piercing shoelace securement device of FIG. 7A piercing a shoelace already held within a shoe eyelet.

FIG. 7C illustrates the example piercing shoelace securement device of FIGS. 7A-B assembled to the shoe and securing the shoelace.

FIG. 7D illustrates a partial cut-away of a shoe eyelet with a shoelace secured by the example piercing shoelace securement device of FIGS. 7A-C.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of another example shoelace securement device in an unassembled state.

FIG. 9A-D illustrate top and side views of other examples of a shoelace securement device.

FIG. 10A-D illustrate top and side views of other examples of a shoelace securement device.

FIG. 11A-B illustrate perspective views of another example of a shoelace securement device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example shoelace securement device is disclosed herein. In an example, the shoelace securement device includes a first clasp and a second clasp. The first clasp may have a female portion and a first flange with first inner and outer surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge. The second clasp may have a second flange with second inner and outer surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge and a male post extending from a proximal end near the second flange inner surface to a distal end remote from the second flange. The male post is configured for receipt through a shoe eyelet and within the female portion. It is noted that other examples are also contemplated, as will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teaching herein.

The example shoelace securement device advantageously enables the user to secure a shoelace to reduce or altogether prevent loosening of the shoelace, without having to tie the shoelace. As such, shoes may be worn in a variety of fashionable, untied styles.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an example unassembled shoelace securement device. FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the example shoelace securement device of FIG. 1A in an unassembled configuration or state. FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 1A-B in an assembled state. FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate side views of the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 1A-C in unassembled and assembled states respectively.

The example shoelace securement device 100 is shown as it may include means for engaging a shoe exterior surface, for example, a first clasp 120 having a female portion 125 and a first flange 121 with first inner 123 and outer 122 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 124. A second clasp 110 includes means for engaging a shoe interior surface, for example, a second flange 111 has second inner 113 and outer 112 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 114. Means for insertion into female portion 125, for example, a male post 115 extends from a proximal end near second flange inner surface 113 to a distal end remote from second flange 111. Male post 115 is configured for receipt within female portion 125.

Female portion 125 includes means for extending into a shoe eyelet, for example, a female post 125 extending from a proximal end near first flange inner surface 123 to a distal end remote from first flange 121. An opening or lumen 126 with a first interior cross section is formed within female post 125 formed therein. Male post 115 includes an external cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section of lumen 126 such that at least a portion of male post 115 is receivable within lumen 126.

In this example, at least one of female post 125 and male post 115 are configured to form a stem which can engage a shoelace strung through the shoe eyelet. For example, the exterior surface of female post 125 may press a shoelace against a shoe eyelet. In another example, the shoelace may be wrapped at least partially around the stem formed by female post 125 and male post 115. Another example may include an opening formed through the stem for receiving the shoelace therethrough. In another example, the stem may be textured (e.g., roughened or provided with an external texture) to assist is gripping the shoelace, e.g., for aiding in twisting the shoelace around the stem for tightening/loosening the shoelace. Yet another example wherein the shoelace is pierced by the stem is discussed below.

Female portion 125 further comprises first engagement means, for example, internal threads configured for mating with second engagement means, for example, external threads 116 on male post 115.

In an example, a shoulder 117 at the proximal end of male post 115 reinforces engagement to flange 111. In an example, one or more ribs 127 extend diametrically outward from the proximal end of female post 125 to reinforce engagement to flange 121.

Outer surfaces 112 and 122 may have any of a variety of topographies including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical. Inner surfaces 113 and 123 may have any of a variety of topographies conducive to engaging an exterior surface of a shoe including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical.

Perimeter edges 114 and 124 may trace any of a variety of shapes including but not limited to circular or regular or irregular polygonal. In an example, first perimeter edge 124, second perimeter edge 114 or both include one or more facets.

An example method of producing a shoelace securement device is now described. A first flange 121 is configured with inner 123 and outer 122 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 124 and a female post 125 is formed to extend from a proximal end near first flange inner surface 123 to a distal end remote from first flange 121. A second flange 111 is configured with second inner 113 and outer 112 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 114. A lumen 126 having an interior cross section is provided within female post 125. A male post 115 is formed to extend from a proximal end near second flange inner surface 113 to a distal end remote from second flange 111. Male post 115 is provided with an exterior cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section such that lumen 126 is configured to receive at least a portion of male post 115.

Lumen 126 is configured with internal threads 128 and male post 115 is configured with external threads 116 engageable with lumen internal threads 128.

FIG. 2A illustrates insertion of the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 1A-C into a shoe eyelet already containing a shoelace. In accordance with a method for using a shoelace securement device, a shoe 10 having at least one shoelace 20 threaded through at least one eyelet 15 is provided. A female post 125 extending from near first flange inner surface 123 to a position remote from first flange 121 is inserted into shoe eyelet 15 such that first flange inner surface 123 is proximal to shoe eyelet 15 and the external surface of female post 125 presses shoelace 20 against eyelet 15. A male post 115 extending from near second flange inner surface 113 to a position remote from second flange 111 is inserted into lumen 126 such that second flange inner surface 113 is proximal to shoe eyelet 15. Female post 125 can then be rotated relative to male post 115 to cause a mutual engagement and move first 123 and second 113 flange inner surfaces towards one another. FIG. 2B illustrates the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 1A-C assembled to the shoe and securing the shoelace. FIG. 2C illustrates a partial cut-away of a shoe eyelet with a shoelace secured by the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 1A-C.

In an example, an exterior surface of female post 125 is configured to grip a shoelace such that rotation of female post 125 causes the shoelace to wrap around the exterior surface of female post 125.

Accordingly, in another method for using a shoelace securement device, after inserting female post into the shoe eyelet such that the first flange inner surface is proximal to the shoe eyelet and inserting a male post into a lumen in the female post such that the second flange inner surface is proximal to the shoe eyelet, female post 125 is rotated relative to the shoe eyelet 15 in the direction indicated by arrow 30 to cause wrapping of the shoelace 20 around the female post 125. FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an example shoelace wrapping around female post 125 during rotation of flange 121.

In an example, shoelace 20 wraps around the female post 125 when female post 125 is rotated relative to the male post 115 to cause a mutual engagement and move the first 123 and second 113 flange inner surfaces towards one another. FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the example shoelace securement device of FIG. 3A with the first flange 121 rotated 180 degrees from the position of FIG. 3A and with shoelace 20 wrapped around female post 125.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate perspective views of another example shoelace securement device 200 in unassembled and assembled states, respectively while FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the example shoelace securement device of FIGS. 4A-B in an unassembled state. A first clasp 220 includes means for extending into a shoe eyelet, for example, a female portion 225 and means for engaging a shoe exterior surface, for example, a first flange 221 having first inner 223 and outer 222 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 224. A second clasp 210 includes means for engaging a shoe interior surface, for example, a second flange 211 having second inner 213 and outer 212 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 214 as well as means for insertion into the means for extending. Male post 215 represents an example means for insertion and extends from a proximal end near second flange inner surface 213 to a distal end remote from second flange 211. Male post 215 is configured for receipt within female portion 225.

Female portion 225 includes a female post 225 extending from a proximal end near first flange inner surface 223 to a distal end remote from first flange 221 and a lumen 226 with a first interior cross section formed therein. Male post 215 includes an external cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section of lumen 226 such that at least a portion of male post 215 is receivable within lumen 226.

Female post 225 further comprises first engagement means, for example, internal ribs 228 configured for mating with second engagement means, for example, external ribs 217 on male post 215.

Means to facilitate selective compression of male post 215, for example, a through slot 216 is formed in male post 215. Slot 216 allows for pressing first clasp 210 upper half towards first clasp lower half such that external ribs 217 can pass by internal ribs 228 during insertion and removal of male post 215 into female post 225. When respective upper and lower halves of first clasp 210 are released, they move apart such that ribs 217 engage with internal ribs 228.

Female post 225 comprises a through slot 228 in communication with internal lumen 226 which is configured to receive one or more of male post external ribs 217.

At least one of female post 225 and male post 215 are configured to engage a shoelace strung through the shoe eyelet.

As with clasps 110 and 120, outer surfaces 212 and 222 may have any of a variety of topographies including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical. Inner surfaces 213 and 223 may have any of a variety of topographies conducive to engaging an exterior surface of a shoe including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical.

Furthermore, perimeter edges 214 and 224 may trace any of a variety of shapes including circular or regular or irregular polygonal. In an example, first perimeter edge 224, second perimeter edge 214 or both include one or more facets.

An example method of producing a shoelace securement device in accordance with the example of FIGS. 4A-C is now described. A first flange 221 is configured with inner 223 and outer 222 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 224 and a female post 225 is formed to extend from a proximal end near first flange inner surface 223 to a distal end remote from first flange 221. A second flange 211 is configured with second inner 213 and outer 212 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 214. A lumen 226 having an interior cross section is provided within female post 225. A male post 215 is formed to extend from a proximal end near second flange inner surface 213 to a distal end remote from second flange 211. Male post 215 is provided with an exterior cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section such that lumen 226 is configured to receive at least a portion of male post 215.

Lumen 226 is configured with internal ribs 228 and male post 215 is configured with external ribs 217 engageable with internal ribs 228 to selectively prevent relative movement of female 225 and male 215 posts.

Further, male post 215 is configured with a through slot 216 such that male post 215 is compressible and external ribs 217 can pass by internal ribs 228 during insertion of male post 215 into and withdrawal of male post 215 from lumen 226.

In a method for using an example shoelace securement device in accordance with FIGS. 4A-C, a shoe having at least one shoelace threaded through at least one eyelet is provided. After inserting female post 225 into shoe eyelet 15 such that first flange inner surface 223 is proximal to shoe eyelet 15 and inserting male post 215 into lumen 226 such that second flange inner surface 213 is proximal to shoe eyelet 15, male post 215 is compressed to decrease its external cross section and enable male ribs 217 to move past female ribs 228. With male post 215 compressed it is pushed relative to female post and subsequently released to cause an engagement of male ribs with female ribs 228 and move first 223 and second 213 flange inner surfaces towards one another. A shoelace threaded through the shoe eyelet is either compressed against the eyelet by either of female post 225 or male post 215 or is wrapped around female 225 or male post 215.

The operations shown and described herein are provided to illustrate example implementations. It is noted that the operations are not limited to the ordering shown. Still other operations may also be implemented.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another example shoelace securement device 300 in an assembled state. A first clasp 320 includes means for engaging a shoe exterior surface, for example, a first flange 321 having first inner 323 and outer 322 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 324. Means for extending into a shoe eyelet, for example, a female post 325 extends from a proximal end near first flange inner surface 323 to a distal end remote from first flange 321 and includes a lumen 326 with a first interior cross section formed therein.

A second clasp 310 includes means for engaging a shoe interior surface, for example, a second flange 311 having second inner 313 and outer 312 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 314 as well as means for insertion into the means for extending, for example, a male post 315 extending from a proximal end near second flange inner surface 313 to a distal end remote from second flange 311. Male post 315 includes an external cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section of lumen 326 such that at least a portion of male post 315 is receivable within lumen 326.

Female post 325 further comprises first engagement means, for example, internal ribs 328 configured for mating with second engagement means, for example, external ribs 316 on male post 315.

At least one of female portion 325 and male post 315 are configured to engage a shoelace strung through the shoe eyelet.

As with clasps 110 and 120, outer surfaces 312 and 322 may have any of a variety of topographies including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical. Inner surfaces 313 and 323 may have any of a variety of topographies conducive to engaging an exterior surface of a shoe including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical.

Furthermore, perimeter edges 314 and 324 may trace any of a variety of shapes including circular or regular or irregular polygonal. In an example, first perimeter edge 324, second perimeter edge 314 or both include one or more facets.

An example method of producing a shoelace securement device in accordance with the example of FIG. 5 is now described. A first flange 321 is configured with inner 323 and outer 322 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 324 and a female post 325 is formed to extend from a proximal end near first flange inner surface 323 to a distal end remote from first flange 321. A second flange 311 is configured with second inner 313 and outer 312 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 314. A lumen 326 having an interior cross section is provided within female post 325. A male post 315 is formed to extend from a proximal end near second flange inner surface 313 to a distal end remote from second flange 311. Male post 315 is provided with an exterior cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section such that lumen 326 is configured to receive at least a portion of male post 315.

Lumen 326 is configured with internal ribs 328 and male post 315 is configured with external ribs 317 engageable with internal ribs 328 to selectively prevent relative movement of female 325 and male 315 posts.

Further, male post 315 is configured with a through slot 316 such that male post 315 is compressible and external ribs 317 can pass by internal ribs 328 during insertion of male post 315 into and withdrawal of male post 315 from lumen 326.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of another example shoelace securement device 400 in an assembled state. The female portion comprises a pocket 426 formed within clasp 420 near inner surface 423 and male post 415 is configured to penetrate pocket 426 for selective engagement therewith. The cross section of distal end 417 of male post 415 is greater than the cross section of the proximal end of male post 415 and pocket 426 includes a region of reduced cross section 427 smaller than the cross section of distal end 417 of male post 415 and larger than the cross section of the proximal end of male post 415.

Means to facilitate selective compression of distal end 417 of male post 415, for example, a through slot 418 is formed in distal end 417 of male post 415. Slot 418 allows for pressing upper and lower distal end portions towards one another such that distal end 417 can pass by the region of reduced cross section 427 during insertion of male post 415 into and withdrawal of male post 415 from pocket 426.

As with clasps 110 and 120, outer surfaces 412 and 422 may have any of a variety of topographies including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical. Inner surfaces 413 and 423 may have any of a variety of topographies conducive to engaging an exterior surface of a shoe including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical.

Furthermore, perimeter edges 414 and 424 may trace any of a variety of shapes including circular or regular or irregular polygonal. In an example, first perimeter edge 424, second perimeter edge 414 or both include one or more facets.

An example method of producing a shoelace securement device in accordance with the example of FIG. 6 is now described. A first clasp 420 is configured with inner 423 and outer 422 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 424 and a pocket 426 is formed within clasp 420 near first flange inner surface 423. A flange 411 is configured with second inner 413 and outer 412 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 414. A male post 415 is formed to extend from a proximal end near second flange inner surface 413 to a distal end remote from second flange 411. Male post 415 is provided with an exterior cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section of pocket 426 such that pocket 426 is configured to receive at least a portion of male post 415.

Further, male post 415 is configured with a through slot 418 such that distal end 417 of male post 415 is compressible and can pass by a region 427 of pocket 426 configured with reduced cross section during insertion of male post 415 into and withdrawal of male post 415 from pocket 426.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of an example piercing shoelace securement device 500 in an assembled state. In an example, the distal end 518 of male post 515 is configured to pierce a shoelace. The female portion again comprises a pocket 526 formed within clasp 520 near inner surface 523 and male post 515 is configured to penetrate pocket 526 for selective engagement therewith. Pocket 526 is provided with first engagement means, for example, threads 527 configured to engage second engagement means, for example, threads 517.

As with clasps 110 and 120, outer surfaces 512 and 522 may have any of a variety of topographies including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical. Inner surfaces 513 and 523 may have any of a variety of topographies conducive to engaging an exterior surface of a shoe including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical.

Furthermore, perimeter edges 514 and 524 may trace any of a variety of shapes including circular or regular or irregular polygonal. In an example, the first perimeter edge 524 includes one or more facets, the second perimeter edge 514 includes one or more facets or both include facets.

An example method of producing a shoelace securement device in accordance with the example of FIG. 7A is now described. A first clasp 520 is configured with inner 523 and outer 522 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 524 and a pocket 526 is formed within clasp 520 near first flange inner surface 523. A flange 511 is configured with second inner 513 and outer 512 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 514. A male post 515 is formed to extend from a proximal end near second flange inner surface 513 to a distal end remote from second flange 511. Male post 515 is provided with an exterior cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section of pocket 526 such that pocket 526 is configured to receive at least a portion of male post 515.

Pocket 526 is configured with internal threads 526 and male post 515 is configured with external threads 517 engageable with internal threads 526.

Further, male post 515 is configured with a piercing point 518 at its distal end.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the example piercing shoelace securement device of FIG. 7A piercing a shoelace already held within a shoe eyelet. To use a shoelace securement device in accordance with the example of FIG. 7A, a shoe 10 having at least one shoelace 20 threaded through at least one eyelet 15 is provided. While inserting male post 515 into shoe eyelet 15 such that second flange inner surface 513 is proximal to the shoe eyelet, shoelace 20 is pierced with a piercing point 518 until shoelace 20 is proximal to second flange inner surface 513. Then, male post 515 is inserted into cavity 526 and clasp 520 is rotated relative to male post 515 such that the first flange inner surface 523 is proximal to the shoe eyelet. FIG. 7C illustrates the example piercing shoelace securement device of FIGS. 7A-B assembled to the shoe and securing the shoelace and FIG. 7D illustrates a partial cut-away of a shoe eyelet with a shoelace secured by the example piercing shoelace securement device of FIGS. 7A-C. To remove the shoelace securement device, this procedure may be reversed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of another example shoelace securement device 600 in an unassembled state. In this example, the female portion comprises a pocket 626 formed within clasp 620 near inner surface 623 and a male post 615 configured to penetrate pocket 626 for selective engagement therewith. In an example, internal ribs (not visible) within pocket 626 are configured to engage with external ribs 617 of male post 615 to selectively prevent movement of male post 615 relative to pocket 626. In another example, the pocket may be threaded to receive the male post 615 therein.

One or more resilient levers (not shown) may be mounted on clasp 620 to selectively expand portions of pocket 626 to permit external ribs 617 to pass by the internal ribs when post 615 is withdrawn from pocket 626. As discussed above, the shoelace may be secured to the eyelet of the shoe by the outer surface 612 and 622, the shoelace may be fitted through an opening formed in the male post 615, and/or a piercing point may be provided at the distal end of male post 615 capable of piercing a shoelace to hold the same within a shoe eyelet.

As with clasps 110 and 120, outer surfaces 612 and 622 may have any of a variety of topographies including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical. Inner surfaces 613 and 623 may have any of a variety of topographies conducive to engaging an exterior surface of a shoe including flat, angled, conical curved, concave, convex and hemispherical.

Perimeter edges 614 and 624 may trace any of a variety of shapes including circular or regular or irregular polygonal. In an example, the first perimeter edge 624 includes one or more facets, the second perimeter edge 614 includes one or more facets or both include facets.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described above are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized to carry out the operations described herein.

An example method of producing a shoelace securement device is now described. With reference to the example shown in FIG. 8 (although the other examples may also implement a piercing configuration), a first clasp 620 is configured with inner 623 and outer 622 surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge 624 and a pocket 626 is formed near inner surface 623. A flange 611 is configured with second inner 613 and outer 612 surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge 614 and a male post 615 is formed to extend from a proximal end near the second flange inner surface 613 to a distal end remote from second flange 611. Male post 615 is configured for receipt through a shoe eyelet to engage a shoelace strung through the eyelet and is further provided with an exterior cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section of pocket 626 such that pocket 626 is configured to receive at least a portion of male post 615.

Pocket 626 is configured with internal ribs (not visible) and male post 615 is configured with external ribs 617 engageable with the internal ribs to selectively prevent movement of male post 615 relative to pocket 626. First clasp 620 is configured with one or more resilient levers (not shown) which selectively expand the internal ribs to permit external ribs 617 to pass by the internal ribs when post 617 is withdrawn from pocket 626. Male post 615 is configured with a piercing point at the distal end capable of piercing a shoelace.

In another example, to use a shoelace securement device, a shoe 10 having at least one shoelace 20 threaded through at least one eyelet 15 is provided. While inserting male post into the shoe eyelet 15 such that second flange inner surface is proximal to the shoe eyelet, shoelace 20 is pierced with a piercing point until shoelace 20 is proximal to second flange inner surface. Then, male post is inserted into the other side and pushed together such that the first flange inner surface is proximal to the shoe eyelet to secure the shoelace in the eyelet. To remove the shoelace securement device, this procedure may be reversed.

Example shoelace securing devices may be provided in any of a variety of shapes and dimensions conducive to engagement with a shoe or a shoelace eyelet. For example, the shoelace securing device may have a stem portion that is sized having an outer diameter that is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of a typical or average shoe eyelet, so that the stem “clogs” the lace hole or shoe eyelet.

Example shoelace securing devices may also be constructed from any of a variety of durable, lightweight materials. Example materials of construction include but are not limited to metal, wood, plastic, rubber, and/or composite materials.

FIG. 9A-D illustrate top and side views of other examples of a shoelace securement device. FIG. 9A is a top plan view of an inner clasp 720 which may receive the post 715 shown in the side view of the outer clasp 710 in FIG. 9B, wherein the inner clasp 720 forms a base portion with a threaded hole formed therein so that the post 715 can be screwed into the base portion via threads 717.

FIG. 9C is a bottom plan view of an inner clasp 820 which may receive the post 815 shown in the side view of the outer clasp 810 in FIG. 9D, wherein the inner clasp 820 forms a base portion with a ribbed hole formed therein so that the post 815 can be press fit into the base portion and the ribs 817 shown on the post 815 can engage the ribs (not visible) formed in the ribbed hole in the base portion of inner clasp 820.

FIG. 10A-D illustrate views of other examples of a clasp 920 of a shoelace securement device having a rounded surface. The clasp 920 may be implemented as the inner and/or outer clasp. A post (not shown) may be provided on either the inner and/or outer clasp as already described above.

FIG. 11A-B illustrate perspective views of another example of a shoelace securement device. In this example, wings 1008 on clasp 1020 are shown which may be pressed together to receive the post 1015 on clasp 1010 in an opening 1012 formed on the clasp 1020 (FIG. 11B); and when released, tightens against the post 1015 in the opening 1012 formed in the clasp 1020, in an engagement manner similar to that of a tie tack. Again, post 1015 may be any desired diameter. It is noted that FIG. 11B also illustrates pyramids 1017 which may be formed on one or both of the clasps 1010 and/or 1020 to reduce rotation of the clasp 1010 and/or 1020 in the shoe eyelet. Other textures may also be provided for this purpose.

It is noted that any of a variety of designs, textures, indicia or images may be provided to portions of a shoelace securing device. For example, a company logo may be imprinted on one or both of the first and second outer flange or clasp surfaces and/or a removable decoration may be attached to the surface(s), e.g., by snap, clip, or other fastener.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated.

Claims

1. A shoelace securement device, comprising:

a first clasp including a female portion and a first flange having first inner and outer surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge; and

a second clasp including a second flange having second inner and outer surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge and a male post extending from a proximal end near the second flange inner surface to a distal end remote from the second flange, the male post being configured for receipt through a shoe eyelet and within the female portion; and

wherein at least one of the female portion and the male post are configured to engage a shoelace strung through the shoe eyelet.

2. The shoelace securement device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the female portion includes a female post extending from a proximal end near the first flange inner surface to a distal end remote from the first flange and a lumen with a first interior cross section formed therein; and wherein the male post includes an external cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section of the lumen such that at least a portion of the male post is receivable within the lumen.

3. The shoelace securement device set forth in claim 1, wherein the female portion further comprises internal threads configured for mating with external threads on the male post.

4. The shoelace securement device set forth in claim 1, wherein the female portion further comprises internal ribs configured for mating with external ribs on the male post.

5. The shoelace securement device set forth in claim 4, wherein the male post is compressible such that the external ribs can pass by the internal ribs during insertion and removal of the male post into the female portion.

6. The shoelace securement device set forth in claim 5, wherein the compressibility is facilitated by a through slot formed in the male post.

7. The shoelace securement device set forth in claim 6, wherein the female portion comprises a through slot in communication with the internal lumen configured to receive one or more of the male post external ribs.

8. The shoelace securement device set forth in claim 2, wherein an exterior surface of the female post is configured to grip a shoelace such that rotation of the female post causes the shoelace to wrap around the exterior surface of the female post.

9. The shoelace securement device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the female portion comprises a pocket formed within the flange near the inner surface; and wherein the male post is configured to penetrate the pocket of the first flange for selective engagement therewith.

10. The shoelace securement device set forth in claim 9, wherein the cross section of the distal end of the male post is greater than the cross section of the proximal end of the male post and the pocket includes a region of reduced cross section smaller than the cross section of the distal end of the second male post and larger than the cross section of the proximal end of the second male post.

11. The shoelace securement device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the distal end of the male post is configured to pierce a shoelace.

12. The shoelace securement device of claim 9, wherein the first clasp further comprises an adjustment mechanism within the interior cross section of the pocket.

13. A system for securing shoelaces, comprising:

means for extending into a shoe eyelet;

coupled with the means for extending into a shoe eyelet, means for engaging a shoe exterior surface;

means for insertion into the means for extending; and

coupled with the means for insertion into the means for extending, means for engaging a shoe interior surface.

14. The system as set forth in claim 13, further comprising first engagement means provided to the means for extending and configured for engaging with second engagement means provided to the means for insertion.

15. The system as set forth in claim 13, further comprising means to facilitate selective compression of the means for insertion.

16. A method of producing a shoelace securement device, comprising:

configuring a first flange with inner and outer surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge;

forming a female post extending from a proximal end near the first flange inner surface to a distal end remote from the first flange, the female post configured for receipt through a shoe eyelet to engage a shoelace strung through the eyelet;

configuring a second flange with second inner and outer surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge;

providing, within the female post, a lumen having an interior cross section;

forming a male post extending from a proximal end near the second flange inner surface to a distal end remote from the second flange; and

providing the male post with an exterior cross section less than or equal to the interior cross section such that lumen is configured to receive at least a portion of the male post.

17. The method as set forth in claim 16, further comprising configuring the lumen with internal threads and the male post with external threads engageable with the internal threads.

18. The method as set forth in claim 16, further comprising configuring the lumen with internal ribs and configuring the male post with external ribs engageable with the internal ribs to selectively prevent relative movement of the female and male posts.

19. The method as set forth in claim 18, further comprising configuring the male post with a through slot such that the male post is compressible and the external ribs can pass by the internal ribs during insertion of the male post into the lumen and withdrawal of the male post from the lumen.

20. The method as set forth in claim 16, further comprising configuring the male post with a piercing point at the distal end.