DECORATIVE RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR A SHOELACE

Abstract

A retaining assembly for the shoelaces of a shoe, including at least one, but more practically, a plurality of retaining members, each including a base and a retaining structure that serves to retain a different free end of a shoelace in a secured, stored position within or on the shoe. Each retaining structure is dimensioned and configured to pass through a predetermined eyelet of the shoe, such that a corresponding free end of the shoelace is retained in the stored position on the interior of the shoe. The retaining structure further includes an intermediate region structured to engage the shoelace when the said base is disposed in an operative position on the shoe. Also, the retaining assembly preferably includes a display for displaying decorative and/or informative indicia permanently or removably disposed on the display area.

Description

The present Non-Provisional patent application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a currently pending and prior filed Provisional patent application, namely, that having Ser. No. 61/649,583 filed on May 21, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a decorative and utilitarian retaining assembly structured to maintain a shoelace on a shoe in a predetermined yet untied, secured and/or stored position. The retaining assembly one or more retaining members each including a base having a retaining structure for holding the loose end of a shoe lace and for operatively positioning the corresponding retaining member on the shoe. A display area on each base is disposed to receive and visually display indicia, when the base is disposed in an operative orientation, wherein the indicia may provide a decorative appearance to the retaining assembly and shoe.

2. Description of the Related Art

With regard to shoes and footwear generally, a very large number of shoes involve the use of shoelaces that are “laced” or which pass through a plurality of eyelets extending along the upper side portions of the shoe and typically overlying the shoe's “tongue.” Once each shoelace on a shoe has been appropriately pulled through the various intended eyelets of the shoe, the free ends of the shoelace are normally pulled upwardly and/or outwardly in order to adequately tighten the shoe about the wearer's foot. Once such a tightening or other manipulation is accomplished, the free ends of the shoelace are conventionally tied into a bow, knot or other type of joining formation. This joining of the free ends prevents them from coming free and dangling onto the ground or other supporting surface. As is common with practically all individuals who have worn shoes with shoelaces, they tend to become untied at some point. Walking around with loose or dangling shoe laces, because of a disconnection of the free ends thereof, presents potentially dangerous situations such as the wearer of the shoes tripping over the unconnected free ends. It is also annoying to many who wear shoes to have to stop, bend over or sit down and re-tie the free ends of the shoelaces.

To compound this, the circular cross-sectional shape of many shoelaces made and sold during current times is thought to add to the annoying frequency with which shoelaces become untied, loosened and/or dangle and flop about. This may be in contrast to the “flat” shoelace styles which are believed to remain tied for longer periods of time. Regardless, and perhaps because of the nuisance factor associated with having to tie and untie shoelaces, there is a growing fad among some in younger generations to simply tighten their shoelaces to a desired snugness level, while still allowing the shoe to be pulled off the foot to tie a knot in each shoe lace. This practice also may involve a cutting of the remainder of the shoe lace off, rather than tie the free ends together. While this is one way of addressing the problem of untied shoelaces, the knots can interfere with the wearer's comfort while walking or using the shoe depending on where or how they are knotted. Moreover, this way of addressing the problem does not readily offer a smooth or consistent look or a polished appearance, particularly when the knots are visible and/or become frayed.

The dangers and annoyances of shoe laces that become untied have also been addressed by several creative devices. Some of these essentially involve passing both of the free ends of the shoelace into connected engagement with some type of clamp, bracket or like structure which attempts to maintain the shoelaces in a joined orientation. That is, most of the known devices attempt to keep the free ends of a shoelace joined together so that they do not become detached from one another. While such devices offer certain advantages, there are still some problems that arise when they are used. For instance, one problem or disadvantage is thought to relate to the reliability of some these known connecting devices. As another example, some of these known devices can be complicated in terms of installation or use on a shoe and its shoelaces, and often require significant manipulation in order to accomplish their attachment. As perhaps a greater disadvantage, these known devices are often not readily usable on a repetitive basis. That is, because the goal of such known devices is to keep the free ends of a shoelace joined or connected during walking, they may require time-consuming manipulation to allow a wearer to loosen the connection with the shoelaces. In turn, this may require the removal of the shoe or a reverse procedure comprising placing the shoe on the foot and reconnecting and tightening the shoelaces to a suitable a degree.

Also in an effort to address the dangers and irritations associated with shoelaces that become untied, some have made shoes with alternatives to shoe laces, such as the use of straps that rely on Velcro® connectors to keep the shoe tightened when desired about the foot or to readily loosen the shoe's fit around the foot when it is desired to remove them. While these types of shoes are incredibly helpful for the parents of small children, as well as the elderly, their primary appeal seems limited to these two segments of the population.

Accordingly, there is a need in the field of art relating to shoes and footwear for a new and improved device that addresses the problem associated with shoelaces becoming untied. If any such device were created, it would ideally not require each shoe lace on a shoe to be joined or connected together, but yet would still be capable of allowing the shoe to be put on and reliably held in place on a wearer's foot for walking. Such a proposed device would also allow the shoe to be taken off, without requiring excessive manipulation by the wearer. If any such device were created, it would ideally also be capable of enhancing the overall aesthetic appearance of the shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This present invention is intended to address these and other problems in the field of art. As such, the present invention is directed to a retaining assembly comprising at least one retaining member, but more practically, at least two retaining members. Each retaining member is structured and operatively disposed to maintain a shoelace in a desired position snugly on the foot for both walking, but suitable also for taking it on or off. As such, each retaining member will maintain at least one free end of the shoelace in a secured, stored position without requiring the free ends of the shoelace to be tied, knotted or otherwise joined. In the secured, stored position, the free end(s) of the shoelace is preferably on or at least partially within the interior of the shoe, but in a location which does not interfere with the comfort of the wearer. Each of the one or more retaining members, when operatively disposed, overcomes the disadvantages associated with prior art devices that keep the free ends of a shoelace tied or joined together, and yet at the same time, reduces the possibility of the free ends becoming undone or detached from the secured and/or stored position.

More specifically, the retaining assembly of the present invention includes at least one preferred embodiment, wherein the retaining member includes a base having an outer, exposed face or surface and a substantially oppositely disposed undersurface portion. Moreover, the outer exposed face or surface may include a display area. This display area is readily suited for carrying and displaying any of a wide variety of indicia to offer decorative, aesthetic and/or informative features to the retaining member and shoe, as desired to please the wearer in any of variety of situations. Accordingly, when the retaining member is disposed in its operative position on a shoe and in retaining relation to a free end of the shoelace, the display area is disposed in an exposed, observable orientation, such that any indicia thereon is readily viewable. The included indicia to be disposed on the display area may be permanently and/or removably placed thereon. The ability of the present invention to removably dispose selected indicia on the display area of the retaining member's base allows a user, and in particular a younger user or sports fan, to repeatedly change the indicia on the display area. As a result, the indicia may assume a variety of different items such as logos, team colors, identifying names, pictorial representations, coloring, symbols, rhinestones, sequins, glitter, or a variety of other categories of indicia which are decorative, informative, symbolic or any combination thereof.

In addition, the retaining member, and its base in particular, can vary in terms of its shape, size and overall structure. By way of example, the configuration of the base, but more preferably, the display area which is especially suited for being readily observable on the shoe, may be structured to be oval, round, circular, or multi-sided, such as a square, triangle or star shaped, etc. Moreover, the configuration of the display area may correspond to or be distinguishable from the configuration of the peripheral boundaries of the base or at least an exposed outer surface portion thereof. It should be apparent therefore, that the ability to form the base of each retaining member into any of a variety of different configurations may further enhance the overall decorative characteristics or aesthetic appeal of the retaining member, as well as the shoe itself. Further, the size, configuration and overall structure of the base of each of two or more retaining members, even when mounted on the same footwear, may intentionally vary from one another and do not have to match. Moreover, the indicia permanently or removably disposed on the aforementioned display area of the base may also differ, thereby increasing the versatility of the retaining assembly of the present invention.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will also include the retaining member having a retaining structure secured to and extending outwardly from the undersurface or under portion of the base. In such a disposition, the retaining structure will be oppositely disposed to the outer face and display area of the base. The retaining structure is disposed, dimensioned and configured to engage and at least partially retain a correspondingly disposed length, region or zone adjacent and/or corresponding to the free end of the shoelace. Further, the retaining structure is dimensioned and configured to pass through a selected eyelet on the shoe or footwear, it being understood that most shoes have several eyelets, usually on a top surface thereof, that are normally provided for the passage of a shoelace therethrough. In one preferred embodiment, the retaining member is operatively disposed in overlying, covering relation to an upper, or top, end-most eyelet, such as the eyelet located closest to the access opening or mouth of the shoe, through which the foot normally passes. Naturally, the operative position of each of the retaining members may vary such that other eyelets may be utilized to accommodate placement of a retaining member and the corresponding retaining structure associated therewith.

In one or more preferred embodiments, the retaining structure is also dimensioned and configured to include an intermediate region having a substantially pointed configuration, to more readily allow at least this portion of the retaining structure to pass through the selected eyelet of the shoe and to maintain effective engagement within it or portions of the shoe surrounding the eyelet, thereby holding the retaining member in a proper orientation on the shoe, ideally with the display area on the base situated for being readily observed on the shoe.

Interconnection between the free end of the shoelace, or at least a portion or length adjacent to the free end of the shoelace, and the retaining structure is accomplished by the free end of the shoelace being received within the retaining structure. The shoelaces of the shoe are then tightened, so that the shoe will be snugly fit a wearer's foot during walking, while still allowing the shoe to be removed from the foot. Next, the retaining member is moved into the aforementioned operative position by passing the retaining structure within and at least partially through a selected eyelet. When so disposed in the operative position, the length or zone adjacent the free end of the shoelace held within the retaining structure, as well as the free end itself, will be disposed on an interior portion of the shoe. When so disposed, any excess length of the shoelace which might interfere with the comfort of the wearer in using the shoe, may be removed such as by cutting. Thereafter, an adequately sized knot or similar obstructing formation may be formed in the remaining end of the shoelace. Such a knot or other obstruction should be sufficiently large to prevent its passage through the retaining structure and the eyelet in which the retaining structure is received, but not so large as to cause discomfort to the wearer while walking.

As set forth above, the retaining structure of the present invention is dimensioned and configured to pass through a chosen eyelet on the shoe, in order to dispose the corresponding retaining member in the operative position. Accordingly, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the retaining structure cooperatively structured and configured with the undersurface of the base to form a substantially closed and/or closed loop configuration. Therefore structural configuration of the retaining structure is such as to form an interior thereof comprising an opening, channel or passage, having peripheral boundaries defined by the length of the retaining structure and possibly the adjacent part of the undersurface of the base to which the retaining structure is attached. Accordingly, the retained free end of the shoelace passes through the opening or passage of the retaining structure and is retained in a secured position by the formation of a knot or other enlarged formation on the shoelace end.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the retaining assembly of the present invention includes one or more retaining members having a retaining structure with an open interior and/or passage, as set forth above. In addition, this embodiment of the retaining structure also includes a retaining finger or like member. More specifically, the retaining finger is secured to an inner surface of the retaining structure and extends into the interior of the opening or passage which the retaining structure defines and towards the undersurface of the base. The free end of the shoelace is received through the opening or passage on the interior of the retaining structure and will come into abutting and/or retained engagement with the retaining finger. Therefore, depending upon overall size of the retaining structure and the interior dimensions thereof, the free end of the shoelace or a portion of the shoelace adjacent thereto will abut, wedge against or otherwise come into retained engagement with the retaining finger. In addition, the operative position of this additional preferred embodiment of the retaining member is also generally defined by the base thereof disposed in overlying relation to a selected eyelet, such that the display area and any indicia formed thereon is disposed in a readily observable, exposed orientation.

In light of the foregoing, it can therefore, be appreciated that the retaining assembly of the present invention, in the various preferred embodiments, addresses and overcomes many if not all of the disadvantages and problems associated with the conventional tying or knotting of the free ends of the shoelace.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will, however, become clearer when the attached drawings, as well as the detailed description of the invention in various embodiments which follows, are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a retaining assembly of the present invention in one embodiment, illustrating the assembly in an operative position on a shoe of the type having shoelaces.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the retaining assembly of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, and illustrating the base in an embodiment having an oval configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exterior top end view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view in partial cutaway intended to represent a part of a placement procedure for disposing an embodiment of a retaining member, as shown in FIG. 1, into an operative position on a shoe.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view representing an additional and probable subsequent step in the placement procedure of the retaining member as represented in FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a top view of yet another preferred embodiment of a retaining member of the retaining assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side end view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein the base comprises a substantially circular configuration.

FIG. 10 is a top end view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 in retaining relation to a shoelace.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a retaining member of the retaining assembly according to the present invention in yet another preferred embodiment and unattached to a shoe or shoelace.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top end view of another embodiment of a retaining member of the present invention similar to, but distinguishable from, the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of a retaining member of the retaining assembly of the present invention unattached to a shoe or shoelace.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before any of the embodiments of the present invention are described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and/or the components set forth in the following description or to the illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is the for the purpose of description and should not be regarding as limiting. The use of the words “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereto as well as additional items.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, but with initial reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a retaining assembly, generally indicated as 10, structured for use on any of a variety of different shoes or laced footwear generally indicated as 12. At least one, but more practically, at least two retaining members 14 which individually or collectively define the retaining assembly 10, is/are removably connected to the shoe 12. When connected to a shoelace and interconnected with a shoe in the operative position illustrated in FIG. 1, the retaining member 14 serves to maintain a shoelace 16 and/or more specifically, a free end 16′ thereof, in a secured, stored position.

The retaining assembly 10 includes at least one retaining member 14 disposed in an operative position, as is perhaps best represented in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the retaining assembly 10 may include, but does not have to in all cases, two retaining members 14 on a particular shoe, with each retaining member 14 on one of the free ends of the shoelace of one shoe 12, wherein each of the retaining members 14 is disposed on opposite sides of the shoe 12. When so positioned, each retaining member 14 maintains a different one of the two free ends in a secured, stored position. As such, the free ends of the shoelace associated with a single shoe 12 of the wearer need not be tied, knotted or otherwise connected to one another, thereby alleviating the wearer of the well recognized problems of the free ends of the shoelace 16, 16′ becoming undone or untied. It is recognized that FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 represent only one side of the shoe 12. Accordingly, while only a single one of the retaining members 14 may be used, it will perhaps be more common for two retaining members 14 to be concurrently used, each on an opposite side of the shoe, in order that both free ends of the shoe lace are maintained in a secured stored position, as set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

As shown throughout the various Figures of the drawings, each of the one or more retaining members 14 comprises a base 18, which in the illustrated embodiments is in the form of a disk-like structure. As such, and with initial reference to FIGS. 2-4, the base 18 includes an outer face or surface 20 and an undersurface 21. The undersurface 21 is oppositely disposed to the outer face 20, as clearly represented. Comparison of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 and the additional preferred embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 7-10 clearly indicate that the overall configuration and/or size of the base 18 of the retaining member 14 may vary. For instance, as clearly represented in FIGS. 1-4, the base 18 assumes an oval shape, whereas in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the base 118 assumes a circular or round shape. Additional configurations of the base may include, but are not limited to, a triangle, star, multi-sided configuration, etc. Therefore, the overall decorative and/or aesthetic features of the retaining assembly 10, including each of a plurality of differently dimensioned and configured retaining members 14, can be changed so as to be distinguishable from one another through a variation in the shapes, sizes, etc. This is one way in which the inventive retaining assembly 10 achieves enhancing the appearance of the shoe 12, by use of the retaining member or members 14 thereon.

Still referring to the embodiment of the retaining member 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the outer face 20 of the base 18 preferably includes a display area 20′ extending across or over substantially the entire exposed surface thereof or at least a significant portion and/or a majority of such outer surface 20, as is perhaps best shown in FIG. 2. As such, the display area 20′ is sufficiently configured and dimensioned to receive any of a variety of different categories of indicia, generally indicated as 22, thereon by use of the word “LOGO”. The indicia 22 may be permanently and/or removably disposed on the display area 20′ and be represented by various words, logos, combinations of words and logos, pictorial displays, colors, symbols, flags, names, photos, etc. The present invention is structured to be capable in some embodiments to have the indicia 22 removably mounted on the display area 20′, as younger generations or other categories of users may find it appealing to repeatedly change the indicia to suit a particular situation, such as a sports game, concert, parade, party, environment or “fad.” However, the indicia 22 may also be permanently disposed on the display area 20, such as by including a particular type of sports team's symbol or logo, which as represented in FIG. 1, is the symbol 22′ of a New York baseball team.

Still referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the retaining member 14 further includes a retaining structure, generally indicated as 28 and best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, the retaining structure 28 is secured to and extends outwardly from the undersurface 21 of the base 14. The retaining structure 28 forms a substantially closed configuration or closed loop or closed loop segment and will preferably be formed from a rigid material, whether a metal or metallic like material, or a semi-rigid material such as plastic(s) and the like, or if desired, an at least partially flexible material. Regardless of the material from which the retaining structure 28 is formed, it is preferred that the opposite ends thereof, as at 28′, are fixedly or permanently secured to the undersurface 21 of the retaining member 14. The substantially closed configuration of the retaining member 14, as set forth above, may be at least partially defined by an interior surface 21′, which corresponds to or itself is defined by a portion of the undersurface 21. The retaining structure also includes and an open interior 30, which may serve as a passage or opening for receiving one of the free ends of the shoe lace there through, as described in greater detail hereinafter. The opening, passage or open interior 30 is peripherally bounded by the length of the retaining structure 28 and in the embodiment represented in FIGS. 2-4 also by the undersurface portion 21′. However, in one or more additional embodiments the retaining structure 28 may comprise a continuous or fully closed loop, wherein the surface 21′ is not a part of the closed configuration described above.

Also one or more additional embodiments of the retaining member 14 may include an intermediate portion or region 80 that is formed to have a substantially pointed configuration, as is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and also in FIGS. 11 and 12. It should be readily appreciated, however, that the retaining structure 28 of the inventive retaining member 14 is capable of other embodiments, such as is illustrated in FIG. 13. For exemplary purposes, there is shown in FIG. 13 a retaining structure 28 having a generally semi-circular closed loop segment, including undersurface portion 21′, with opposite ends 28′ permanently or fixedly attached to the corresponding undersurface 21 of base 18, and defining the boundaries of the passage or open interior 30. Moreover, in the embodiment of FIG. 13 an intermediate portion 80′ includes a substantially curvilinear configuration.

Accordingly, one feature of the retaining structure is it being dimensioned and configured especially, but not exclusively, in the area of the intermediate zone 80, 280, etc., to facilitate the passage or disposition of the retaining structure 28, 128, 228, etc. at least partially through a selected one of the eyelets 32 and into the operative position, as described herein. Therefore, as represented in the accompanying Figures, the intermediate portions may be substantially pointed, rounded or curvilinear or otherwise appropriately shaped to facilitate the entry and passage of the corresponding retaining structure into an eyelet.

Accordingly, retaining member 14 of the present invention is structured to be disposed in an operative position, such as illustrated in FIG. 1. More specifically, the retaining structure 28 of the retaining member 14 is dimensioned and configured to be received in and/or pass through any one of a plurality of eyelets 32 formed along the opening 34 of the upper of the shoe 12, which are shown in FIG. 1. While the retaining structure 28 may pass through any one of the eyelets 32, it is contemplated that the retaining member 14 will more practically assume the illustrated position of FIG. 1, with the retaining member 14 disposed within and into the top or end-most eyelet 32′ (also shown in FIG. 4), in order to better retain the free end 16′ of the shoelace 16 in a preferred stored position. Also, and as represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, which will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the top or endmost eyelet 32′ is that eyelet which is normally located closest to the access opening 38 of the shoe 12, through which the foot of the wearer passes when entering the interior of the shoe 12.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, at least partially, one method of disposing the retaining member 14 in the intended operative position of FIG. 1. It should be noted however, that in most cases, but perhaps not all, the shoe 12 will have the shoelaces already laced in the traditional manner through various eyelets 32 extending along the front of the shoe 12. Also, while the method is described with reference to a single retaining member 14, substantially the same procedure is applicable to the operative positioning of each of the retaining members 14. Referring now to FIG. 5, in utilizing the present invention, the method of applying the retaining member 14 involves passing the free end 16′ of a shoelace 16 from an interior of the shoe 12 outwardly through a selected eyelet, and ideally, the top or end-most eyelet 32′. Next, with reference now to FIG. 6, the exteriorly exposed free end 16′ is passed through the open interior 30 which comprises a channel or passage defined by the retaining structure 28. The free end 16′ is then passed back through the same selected eyelet 32′. For purposes of clarity the illustration, the retaining member 14 and its retaining structure 28 are not shown in order to adequately represent the path of travel of the free end 16′ in properly attaching the retaining member 14 in the proper operative position.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, but also to FIG. 1, the free end 16′ of the shoelace 16 first passes underneath the shoe's upper periphery 35 as at the flap 35′ or portions 34 or 34′, which are adjacent the position of the top or end-most eyelet 32′. As noted previously herein, the shoelace 16 will in most cases already be pulled through other eyelets 32 in the shoe 12 and will extend across the tongue of the shoe 12 from an eyelet located on the opposite side of the tongue (not shown). Once beneath the upper periphery 35 of the shoe, as at the flap 35′ or portions 34 or 34′, the free end 16′ of the shoelace 16 passes out through the selected eyelet, as at 32′ as set forth above. Once the free end 16′ passes through the open interior 30 defined by the retaining structure 28, it then passes back through the selected eyelet 32′ into the interior of the shoe 12. When the free end 16′ is so disposed on the interior of the shoe 12, a pulling force can be exerted thereon which will draw the retaining structure 28 into the interior of the shoe 12 through the selected eyelet 32′. As such, the free end 16′ of the shoelace will be at least partially, if not fully retained within the shoe 12, and further, the undersurface 21 of the retaining member's base 18 will be disposed in substantially confronting, overlying relation to the outer surface of the flap 35′ or portions 34 and 34′ and in covering relation to the selected eyelet 32′, as is perhaps best shown in FIG. 1. As should be apparent from a review of all the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the confronting, overlying relation of the undersurface of the base to the outer surface of the shoe 12 and/or selected eyelet 32 may include a direct engagement there between and/or a facing, at least partially spaced orientation of the undersurface of the base relative to the outer surface of the shoe 12 and/or eyelet 32.

Should there be an excessively long free end 16″ on the free end section 16′ of the shoe lace being stored in the interior of the shoe 12, this may be cut or otherwise separated from the remainder of the shoelace 16, so as to allow for greater comfort and/or better efficiency in maintaining the free end 16′ (and/or retaining member 14) in the operative position shown in FIG. 1, but as also represented in FIG. 4. After removal of the excessive length 16″, the remaining free end 16′ of the shoelace 16 may be formed into a knot or other obstructing formation 19. The knot or obstruction 19 should be of sufficient dimension to prevent or significantly limit the possibility of it passing back through the interior 30 of the retaining structure 28 and/or out through the selected eyelet 32′. As such, the remaining free end 16′ of the shoelace 16 will be maintained in a secured, stored position on the interior of the shoe 12.

As also represented in FIG. 4, one advantage of positioning the retaining structure 28 into and through a selected eyelet, such as 32′, is the positioning of the retaining member's base 18 in a substantially “flat” orientation on the outer surface of the shoe 12. This preferred flat or substantially flat orientation may, more specifically, be defined by the undersurface 21 being disposed in substantially confronting relation to the outer surface 34 or 35 of the shoe 12 and/or in confronting engagement therewith. The flat orientation of the base 18, as described above, is believed to further enhance the overall appearance of the retaining assembly 10, as well as the shoe 12, when the retaining member(s) 14 are in the aforementioned operative position of FIGS. 1 and 4.

As has been noted above, in certain preferred embodiments such as are illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 and also in FIGS. 11-12, the retaining structure 28 comprises an elongated, closed or substantially closed loop with an intermediate, substantially pointed configuration. From the foregoing description relative to FIGS. 5 and 6 and with further reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 as well as the method of disposing the retaining member 14 in the intended operative position, it can be appreciated that the retaining structure 28 having an intermediate portion 80 or 280 which is substantially pointed may be preferred for some applications. Moreover, while other configurations of the intermediate portion are functional, the substantially pointed configuration may be preferred because it significantly aids in both retaining the free end 16′ of the shoelace within the interior of the shoe 12, and in maintaining the proper orientation of the retaining member 14 on the shoe. This is because all, nearly all, or at least a portion of the intermediate pointed configuration of the retaining structure 28 facilitates its passage into the selected eyelet, such as 32′, depending upon the diameter of same, while simultaneously engaging the shoelace and holding it in position with the pointed tip thereof. Further, because the retaining structure 28 tapers outwardly, away from the intermediate pointed configuration and down towards the undersurface 21 of the base 18, all or part of this tapering section of retaining structure 18 can also be pushed into the eyelet 32′ and thereby, to be snugly fitted within eyelet 32′ such that some gripping action or slight frictional tension exists there-between which helps to maintain the retaining member 14 in the desired orientation on the shoe 12 for viewing of the display area 20′.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated yet another preferred embodiment of a retaining assembly according to the present invention, which is generally indicated as 210. The retaining assembly 210 varies in structure and appearance somewhat from the retaining assembly 10 described previously with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, but the function and installation features thereof are similar to or substantially equivalent. More specifically, in this additional preferred embodiment, the retaining assembly 210 also includes at least one retaining member 214, but more practically, two retaining members 214, disposable in an operative position on a shoe 12, as has been shown in FIG. 1 and described above. In addition, each of the one or more retaining members 214 comprises a base 218, which is also preferably in the form of a disk-like structure. As such, the base 218 includes an outer face or surface 220 and an under surface 221. The under surface 221 is oppositely disposed to the outer face 220, as is perhaps best represented in FIG. 12. As with the above described preferred embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 through 4, the retaining assembly 210 and more specifically, each of the one or more retaining members 214, may vary in size, configuration, etc. As such, any of a plurality of distinctive, decorative features may be provided in order to enhance the appearance of the shoe 12 to a wearer's particular taste, desires, or needs for any given occasion. That is, and referring now to FIG. 12 in particular, in this additional preferred embodiment the retaining member 214 includes a display area 220′ on the outer face 220, which is similar in purpose, function and structure to the display area 20′ of the embodiment illustrated in and described relative to FIGS. 1-4. As such, the display area 220′ is sufficiently configured and dimensioned to either fixedly receive or to removably receive any of a variety of different categories of indicia thereon, whether a logo affiliate with a particular sports team, university, school, flag, product, etc.

Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, this additional preferred embodiment of the retaining assembly 210 is seen to include a retaining structure generally indicated as 228. The retaining structure 228 is also secured to and extends outwardly from the undersurface 221 of the base 218. Ideally, and as shown in these drawings, the retaining structure 228 includes an elongated fully closed configuration or substantially closed loop or configuration when considered with the corresponding or contiguous portion of the undersurface 221. Also, an intermediate region 280 preferably includes a substantially pointed configuration. Furthermore, and as described above, relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, the retaining structure 228 may be formed from either a rigid, semi-rigid or at least partially flexible material. Regardless of the material from which the retaining structure 228 is formed, it is preferred that the opposite ends thereof, as at 228′, are fixedly or permanently secured to the under surface 221. The retaining member 214 includes an interior surface 221′ corresponding to a portion of the undersurface 221, and an open interior 230 or passage as defined by the legs of the retaining structure 228.

Moreover, the retaining structure 228 is dimensioned and configured to be received in and/or pass through any one of a plurality of eyelets 32 formed along the opening 34 on the upper portion of a shoe 12, but most practically, in the top or end-most eyelet 32′ as has been described previously. That is, and as can be appreciated from the drawings, and FIG. 11 in particular, that the legs of the retaining structure 228 begin to taper or diverge outwardly as at 229, adjacent the intermediate region 280 with its pointed configuration, and down towards the undersurface 221 of the base 218. Ideally, all or part of this tapering section of the retaining structure 228 is structured to be snugly fitted within the eyelet 32′ of a shoe 12, and thereby, to help maintain the desired orientation of the retaining member 214 on the shoe 12. When so located, and as has been described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 previously, the retaining member 214 is disposed to retain the free end 16′ of the shoelace 16 in a preferred, stored orientation.

One distinguishing structural feature included in the additional preferred embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 is the provision of a peripheral flange or skirt, as is generally indicated at 250 in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the peripheral flange or skirt 250 may be more specifically defined by plurality of spaced apart skirt or flange segments 252. Each of the segments 252 extends transversely upwards and/or outwardly from the inner surface 221 so as to be disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to the retaining structure 228. The relative sizes of the skirt or flange segments 252 as compared to the retaining structure 228 is such that at least a portion of the legs, as at 229, including the intermediate region 280 with its substantially pointed configuration, may protrude above and/or beyond the outer peripheries 252′ of the flange segments 252, as best represented in FIG. 12.

Referring again to FIG. 11, additional structural features of the additional preferred embodiment represented in FIGS. 11 and 12 include the provision of at least one, but preferably two, opposed spaces 260 which collectively serve to separate the plurality of skirt or flange segments 252 from one another. These spaces 260 are ideally disposed, dimensioned and configured to facilitate the passage there-through or placement therein of at least a portion of a shoelace 16. Also, the plurality of spaces 260 may facilitate the mounting or positioning of the one or more retaining members 214 in the operative position, as demonstrated in FIG. 1, on the shoe 12. As explained previously herein with specific reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, both the embodiments of the retaining assembly 10 and the additional preferred embodiment 210 may be disposed in the illustrated operative position in substantially the same manner. Accordingly it is emphasized that the procedure demonstrated and described with reference to FIGS. 4-6 for disposing each of one or more retaining members 14 in the intended operative position of FIG. 1 is substantially the same as applied to the operative positioning of the retaining members 214.

With reference now to FIG. 14, the retaining member 214 is shown to have a retaining structure 228 in an alternative embodiment, similar to that shown in FIG. 13. Here as well, the retaining structure 228 shares all or nearly all of the features and characteristics that have been described previously herein relative to FIGS. 11 and 12. However, the retaining structure 228 shown in FIG. 14 includes a generally semi-circular loop segment between opposite ends 228′ which as before, are permanently or fixedly attached to the corresponding undersurface 21 of base 18, and define the boundaries of the open interior 230 or passageway for the shoelace 16.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, there is shown yet another embodiment of a retaining assembly in accordance with the present invention. Here, the retaining assembly 110 comprises a retaining member 114′ having a base 118′ and an outer face 120 oppositely disposed to an undersurface 121. As represented in FIG. 9, the base 118′ includes a display area 120′ on the outer face 120 which is structured to permanently or removably receive appropriate indicia 122 thereon, similar to the indicia 22 represented in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and described previously. Also in this embodiment, each of the plurality of retaining members 114′ further include a retaining structure, as generally indicated at 128 in FIGS. 7 and 8. However, in this embodiment each retaining structure 128 comprises a partially closed or substantially closed interior 130, as is best shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, a retaining finger 135 is secured to an inner surface portion of the retaining structure 128 and extends into the interior 130 towards the correspondingly disposed undersurface 121′. As such, the retaining finger 135 is disposable into abutting, wedging or interruptive engagement with a shoelace 116 as shown in FIG. 10, and more specifically, a free end portion 116′ of the shoelace 116. Engagement of the shoelace 116 and/or the free end 116′ thereof with retaining finger 135 will serve to prevent inadvertent removal of the shoelace 116, 116′ from the interior 130 of the retaining structure 128. This, in turn, will assure that the shoelace 116 and/or free end 116′ is maintained in a secure, stored position as schematically represented in FIG. 10.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. An assembly for retaining free ends of a shoelace in a stored position on a shoe, said assembly comprising:

at least one retaining member including a base comprising an outer face and an undersurface,

said outer face disposed in an exposed orientation when said base is in an operative position on the shoe,

a retaining structure secured to said base and extending outwardly from said under surface,

said retaining structure including an open interior and being structured and disposed to engage a correspondingly disposed portion of the shoe lace within said open interior, and

said retaining structure dimensioned and configured to include a sufficient length to at least partially extend through an eyelet of the shoe when said one retaining member is in said operative position.

2. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said outer face comprises a display area disposed in an observable orientation when said one retaining member is in said operative position.

3. An assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said display area is dimensioned and configured to include indicia disposed thereon.

4. An assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said display area and said indicia are cooperatively structured to removably dispose said indicia on said display area.

5. An assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said display area is defined by at least a majority of a surface area of said outer face.

6. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining structure further comprises an intermediate region cooperatively disposed and dimensioned with a remainder or said retaining structure to facilitate passage of said retaining structure at least partially through the eyelet.

7. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said intermediate region comprises a substantially curvilinear configuration.

8. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said intermediate region comprises a substantially pointed configuration.

9. An assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said retaining structure comprises a tapering section configured to at least partially diverge outwardly from said intermediate region towards said undersurface.

10. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said retaining structure comprises a tapering section configured to at least partially diverge outwardly from said intermediate region towards said undersurface.

11. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said operative position is at least partially defined by said undersurface disposed in confronting relation to the shoe.

12. An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said operative position is further defined by at least a majority of said undersurface being disposed in confronting engagement with the shoe.

13. An assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said operative position is further defined by said base disposed in overlying, covering relation to the eyelet.

14. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining structure and said undersurface collectively define an opening having a substantially closed peripheral configuration, said opening dimensioned to receive the shoelace therethrough.

15. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining structure further comprises an open interior and at least one retaining finger secured to a remainder of said retaining structure and extending inwardly into said open interior, into retaining engagement with a portion of the shoelace disposed therein.

16. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said base further includes a peripheral flange structure secured thereto and extending transversely outward from said undersurface.

17. An assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said peripheral flange comprises a plurality of flange segments disposed in spaced relation to one another; at least one space disposed between adjacent ones of said flange segments, said one space being disposed and dimensioned to receive a portion of a shoelace therein, when said base is in said operative position.

18. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said operative position comprises said retaining structure disposed at least partially through the eyelet, in receiving relation to the shoelace; said undersurface disposed in confronting relation to an outer surface of the shoe and in overlying relation to the eyelet and said outer surface comprising a display area disposed in an exposed, visually observably orientation relative to an exterior of the shoe.

19. An assembly for retaining free ends of a shoelace in a stored position on a shoe, said assembly comprising:

a plurality of retaining members each including a base comprising an outer face and an undersurface, said outer face disposed in an exposed orientation when said base in is an operative position on the shoe,

each of said retaining members including a retaining structure secured to said base and extending outwardly from said undersurface,

said retaining structure including an open interior disposed to engage and retain a correspondingly disposed portion of the shoelace within said open interior,

each of said retaining structures dimensioned and configured to include a sufficient length to at least partially extend through an eyelet of the shoe when said corresponding retaining member is in said operative position,

at least some of said retaining structured further comprising an intermediate portion cooperatively disposed with a remainder of corresponding ones of said retaining structures to facilitate passage of said corresponding retaining structure at least partially through the eyelet, and

at least some of said retaining structures further comprising a tapering section configured to at least partially diverge outwardly from said intermediate portion towards said undersurface of a corresponding one of said bases.

20. An assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said operative position comprises said retaining structure disposed at least partially through the eyelet, in receiving relation to the shoelace; said undersurface disposed in confronting relation to an exterior of the shoe and in overlying relation to the eyelet and said outer surface of said base comprising a display area disposed in an exposed, visually observably orientation relative to the exterior of the shoe.