Abstract: A laces tying device comprises a body (2) provided with one or more apertures (3) which receive the ends of a lace to be tied and with readily-releasable fastening means to fasten the ends of the lace in the apertures (3) of the body (2), and clip means (4) comprising a retaining arm mounted on a springloaded hinge provided on the surface of the body (2), the retaining arm serving to retain overlapped portions of the lace which, in use, extend from the apertures (3).

Abstract: A fastener for a lace includes a fastening body and a pull unit. The fastening body includes a base, and at least one clamp assembly having a substantially U-shaped member which have two pivoting ends pivotally connected to the base to define an opening with the base, and a clamp member which is attached slidably to the U-shaped member and which extends across the opening to divide the opening into a first aperture proximate to the base and a second aperture distal from the base. The U-shaped member has a U-bend cooperating with the clamp member to confine the second aperture. The clamp member is slidable along the U-shaped member between a clamping position and a releasing position. The pull unit is connected to the U-shaped member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing device for laces used in footwear, clothes, bags, and so on, and that can be configured in an extremely simple manner while maintaining the lace at a tightly fixed state when in use, without having any slip, thereby ensuring convenience of use. The present invention provides a fixing device for a lace that includes fixing plates that are extended from both sides of a curved plate thereof, so as to be applied to clothes, bags, etc., and means that is formed on elastic fixing projection pieces and a protruded part corresponding to the elastic fixing projection pieces, for preventing the lace from being moved to or deviated from one side of the elastic fixing projection pieces.

Abstract: A device for locking a plurality of threads includes a first and a second element each of which is provided with a central opening. The first and second elements cooperate to delimit a labyrinth passage for the threads to be locked. The second element is provided with two surfaces which are on opposite sides with respect to the respective central opening and is provided with two external wings which are united to the surface. The surfaces are united, on one side, with a bottom wall of the same second element from which they emerge, and, on the opposite side, with a corresponding external wing of the second element.

Abstract: A shoe tightening device is provided for use with a shoe that includes a pair of eyelet tabs each having eyelets. The shoe tightening device includes a pair of lace units, a clamp unit, and a pull lace. Each of the lace units includes connecting end portions, operating end portions, intermediate portions, and anchoring elements adapted to be anchored removably on the eyelet tabs at corresponding ones of the eyelets. The clamp unit removably clamps at least one of the lace units, and includes at least one flexible string section, and at least one clamp member. The clamp member is slidable along the flexible string section between a clamping position and a releasing position. The pull lace is connected to the flexible string section for pulling the flexible string section so that the clamp member can slide along the flexible string section to the releasing position.

Abstract: In push type fittings capable of timely changing a length of a loop such as a necklace, a bracelet and the like, the aforesaid push type fitting, includes a hollow outer body which is formed to have an aperture portion at an upper end and a pair of insertion holes opposing each other in side surfaces perpendicular to the aperture, for passing a chain there through; a cylindrical sliding body which is formed to be tightly closed at one end with an aperture at the other end and to have a pair of through holes in side surfaces perpendicular to the aperture opposing each other for passing the chain there through; a ring body forming an approximately rectangular or circular ring shape and having a penetrated aperture portion for passing the chain there through; and a coil spring for biasing the sliding body and the aforesaid ring body in a direction to catch the chain.

Abstract: A shoe with improved lacing means includes a shoe, shoe laces (14) and a hook and loop element pouch (10). On the underside, the side making contact with the shoe, are two openings (16) that are used to slide the shoelaces through. With the pouch (10) open, the shoelaces (14) are pushed through the holes (16), pulled firmly and then tied as usual. Place the tied shoelaces (14) down into the pouch (10). There is a hook and loop element strip (22) on the opening making it easy to close, while keeping laces (14) secure. The pouch (10) can be attached to the shoe by hook and loop element strips (18) on both the right and left underside of the pouch (10). The pouch (10) will keep the shoelaces (14) from loosening, snagging and untying.

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

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear that includes a retainer for securing end portions of the laces and limiting superfluous lace movement. The retainer is a strip of elastic material that is positioned on an upper of the footwear and secured in first and second locations, thereby leaving an unsecured area between the first and second locations. The end portions of the lace may be placed under the unsecured area to restrain movement of the end portions. The retainer may be utilized with a mechanical fastener, rather than a conventional knot, to preserve the selected tension in the laces.

Abstract: A lacing system having a lace loop that forms multiple segments that extend from a strap and criss-cross each other in an adjustable opening. The lace is threaded through eyelets of a sneaker, in such a manner that, a single arcuate pull on the strap(s), causes the multiple lace segments to move through the eyelets of the sneaker opening in unison, so that the entire length of the opening contracts simultaneously. This pull also lifts the entire arch area, thus providing better support. The lace segments converge at the strap(s), near the ankle, thus providing better support at the ankle. Additional lace segments could be disposed above the arch to provide better arch support. A strap or fastening member may attach to the sneaker by either a ratchet buckle, clasp, hook, snap, clamp, or locking tape such as hook-and-loop. The sneaker opens to its' maximum width, automatically when the user steps out.

Abstract: A shoelace fastener for a shoe includes a clamp unit and a pull lace. The clamp unit includes at least one generally U-shaped flexible string section defining an opening, and at least one clamp member attached slidably to and extending across the flexible string section to divide the opening into a first aperture and a second aperture. The flexible string section has a U-bend cooperating with the clamp member to confine the second aperture. The clamp member is slidable along the flexible string section between a clamping position in which the clamp member moves toward the U-bend, and a releasing position in which the clamp member moves away from the U-bend. The pull lace is connected to the flexible string section for pulling the flexible string section so that the clamp member slides along the flexible string section to the releasing position.

Abstract: With the advent of the protective shoelace storage compartment incorporated within the new designs of the sports footwear, the shoes will appear less cluttered with the bow and lace ends concealed or all the laces, the bow and lace ends concealed. Without the laces dangling those individuals engaged in active sports like skateboarding will not have to worry about the laces of their shoes getting tangled in the wheels of the skateboard. The shoelace storage compartment may be closed by means of a zipper on the preferred embodiment or the hook loop fastening means on the alternate embodiment. The novelty of this invention is the added benefit of the concealed storage compartment for articles like identification, driver's license or money for those in sportswear not having any pockets or those traveling where additional precautions are necessary.

Abstract: A shoelace fastener is provided for a shoe that includes a shoelace having a pair of distal lace segments. The shoelace fastener includes a substantially rigid fastener body formed with a pair of lace exit holes, a pair of lace entry holes disposed between the lace exit holes, and a pair of anchor portions, each of which is disposed between a respective adjacent pair of the lace entry and exit holes. Each of the distal lace segments is extendable through a respective lace entry hole, over a respective anchor portion, and into a respective lace exit hole. Tension applied by the shoe on the shoelace enables forces the distal lace segments against the fastener body. Pulling of the fastener body through a flexible pull unit on the fastener body results in loosening of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoelace fastener is provided for a shoe that includes a shoelace having a pair of distal lace segments. The shoelace fastener includes a fastener body formed with a pair of through holes. Each of a pair of clamp members has a pivot portion partitioning a respective through hole into a lace entry side and a lace exit side. The distal lace segments are extendable through the lace entry side, over a respective clamp member, and into the lace exit side of a respective through hole in the fastener body. Tension applied by the shoe on the shoelace enables the clamp members to clamp the distal lace segments against the fastener body. Pulling of the fastener body through a pull unit results in loosening of the shoe.

Abstract: A reflectorized lace or the like includes an inner layer, a reflectorized outer layer encasing the inner layer, and a protective layer covering the reflectorized outer layer. The protective layer is made of a woven material having a number of open spaces to allow passage of light rays. The protective layer is provided with one or more attachment patches by which the lace may be attached to an object.

Abstract: A lace tightening assembly is applied to a shoe body having eyelet tabs, and includes a mounting seat, a tightening member mounted pivotally in the mounting seat, and a pull cord for operating the tightening member to pivot between a shoe lace tightening position and a shoe lace loosening position.

Abstract: A ratchet-type buckle (100) is disclosed for use with a ladder strap (80), wherein the buckle includes a toothed, barrel-shaped strap engagement member (140) that is rotatably mounted between oppositely disposed sidewalls (130) that are pivotally coupled to a base (110). The engagement member is positioned to drivably engage and hold the strap. A holding pawl (160) allows forward rotation and hinders backward rotation of the engagement member. A driving pawl (180) is incorporated into a lever assembly (170), which is pivotally coupled to the sidewalls, the driving pawl positioned to engage and rotate the engagement member teeth when the lever assembly is pivoted in a forward direction. The pivotal coupling of the sidewalls to the base permit the engagement member to be lifted away from the base, to release the strap. The sidewalls are preferably biased towards the base.

Abstract: A structure of a U-shaped lace buckle is disclosed. The U-shaped lace buckle comprises a shallow trench located at a central region. A releasing hole and a fastening hole are disposed within the central hollow region. The dimension of the releasing hole is larger than that of fastening hole. The releasing hole and the fastening hole are connected by a gradually tapering hole, wherein the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with the releasing hole is larger and the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with fastening hole is smaller. And the fastening hole comprises a plurality of protruded elements projecting from the inner surface. Further, the lace buckle comprises a through channel that passes from one end to the other end and connected through an arch-shaped groove located in between said two ends.

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

Abstract: A structure of a buckle to fasten shoelaces is provided. The buckle includes a box like arcurate main body having a gap and flanges on the top, an opening in each end, a rectangular through hole in the middle of front and back walls, a pair of inlets and a pair of outlets symmetrically and spacedly formed in the bottom with the outlets being positioned outside of the inlets and a pair of retaining plates being defined abutting the outlets, a pair of sliders slidably disposed into the main body and positioned between each of the inlets and outlets and having a flat depression in the top and a striped surface on a lateral side, a pair of tags from a shoelace respectively inserted into the main body via the inlets and surrounded the top of the sliders and then pierced out of the main body via the outlets, an elastic cap covered the main body and having two pairs of retaining blocks held by the flanges of the main body and two pairs of actuating rods engageable with the sliders.

Abstract: A shoelace adjustment mechanism that provides for fastening shoelaces on shoes in which a shoelace is contiguously routed through a tightening and securing structure consisting of a plurality of shoelace winding sheaves along with the shoelace adjustment mechanism disposed on the left vamp and the right vamp such that the arrangement is capable of the rapid shoelace tensioning and loosening, the shoelace adjustment mechanism of the invention herein thereby affording greater practical value.

Abstract: A stretchable string (100) having a first cross sectional diameter at rest and a second smaller cross sectional diameter when stretched. An aglet (200) positioned on the string. The aglet has an inner cross sectional diameter that is smaller than the cross sectional diameter of the string at rest and approximate to the cross sectional diameter of the string when it is sufficiently elongated. The aglet is moved along the string when the string is sufficiently elongated. The aglet can be repositioned along the string by stretching the string such that the diameter of the string is approximate to the inner diameter of the aglet. Excess string can then be removed.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device includes a shoe lace having first and second lace segments, two loop assemblies, and a clamp member sleeved slidably on the loop assemblies. The first lace segment forms a criss-cross pattern on the eyelet tabs. The second lace segment includes first and second lace sections, each of which has a lower end connected to the first lace segment. Each of the loop assemblies includes a distal lace segment, an inverted U-shaped lace segment having first and second ends connected respectively to the distal lace segment and the upper end of a respective one of the first and second lace sections, and a fastening unit for fastening together the distal lace segment and the ends of the inverted U-shaped lace segment.

Abstract: A fastener for lace includes an upper plate, a lower plate and first, second, third and fourth rods extending between the upper and lower plates. The upper and lower plates both include a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first and second rods extend between the first lateral edge of the upper plate and the first lateral edge of the lower plate. The third and fourth rods extend between the second lateral edge of the upper plate and the second lateral edge of the lower plate. A first length of lace is wound about the first rod and directed past the second rod. A second length of lace is wound about the third rod and directed past the fourth rod.

Abstract: A lace tightening assembly on a footwear body includes a base mounted to the footwear body, a rotary member mounted rotatably on the base about a rotary axis, a rotary disc unit mounted co-rotatably on the rotary member, and a lace guiding unit mounted on the rotary disc unit and offset from the rotary axis.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device includes a shoe lace having first and second lace segments, two loop assemblies, and a clamp member sleeved slidably on the loop assemblies. The first lace segment forms a criss-cross pattern on the eyelet tabs. The second lace segment includes first and second lace sections, each of which has a lower end connected to the first lace segment. Each of the loop assemblies includes a distal lace segment, an inverted U-shaped lace segment having first and second ends connected respectively to the distal lace segment and the upper end of a respective one of the first and second lace sections, and a fastening unit for fastening together the distal lace segment and the ends of the inverted U-shaped lace segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continual comfort adjusting fastener for a footwear article and provides an alternative to fasteners that necessitate periodic attention by the wearer in order to maintain a proper combination of support, fit and comfort by utilizing spring mechanisms to induce a predetermined amount of tension between opposing eye flaps of the footwear article. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the spring mechanism portion of the spring assembly that provides constant tension between eye flaps may be one of a tension spring, compression spring and torsion spring. The spring assembly is comprised substantially of a spring mechanism and may be fastened directly to eyelets in the footwear article. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the spring assembly is further comprised of locking eyelets which themselves are attached to the eye flap of the footwear article via rivets, thus replacing the eyelets.

Abstract: A structure of a U-shaped lace buckle is disclosed. The U-shaped lace buckle comprises a shallow trench located at a central region. A releasing hole and a fastening hole are disposed within the central hollow region. The dimension of the releasing hole is larger than that of fastening hole. The releasing hole and the fastening hole are connected by a gradually tapering hole, wherein the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with the releasing hole is larger and the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with fastening hole is smaller. And the fastening hole comprises a plurality of protruded elements projecting from the inner surface. Further, the lace buckle comprises a through channel that passes from one end to the other end and connected through an arch-shaped groove located in between said two ends.

Abstract: A speed lacing device for an article of footwear having a rigid portion comprising a curved neck and a fastening tail that together define an almost-friction-free sliding surface for a lacing cord, the lacing cord being in contact with the sliding surface in either a state of tension or a state of relaxation. The speed lacing device also having a flexible portion that extends from the rigid portion to form an upper half of a closed loop through which the lacing cord is threaded.

Abstract: A device to prevent the unraveling of common bow-tie shoelace knots. The four ends of a standard bow-tie knot (two loops and two loose ends) are gathered together in a stalk-like shape, and encircled snugly with an adjustable restraining material, which can then be anchored to the shoe to prevent the knot stalk from flopping around or getting snagged on environmental materials (e.g., branches, twigs, weeds, etc.). Referred to herein as a “lace lasso,” the device is light-weight, simple, and rapidly installed and attached to simple and common shoelace knots. The restraining material can be chord, elastic material, or fabric; adjustment in snugness and tension can be accomplished by small spring-loaded ripstop cylinders commonly used in camping gear, or Velcro fabric strips. The device can be attached to the shoe by caribiner-type clips or Velcro fabric strips which are connected to the restraining material wrapped around the ends of the shoelace knot.

Abstract: A shoelace binder system for alleviating the repetitive process of tying shoelaces. The shoelace binder system includes a main body, an upper member attached to the main body, a button slidably positioned within the main body, a pair of receiver openings extending through the main body and the upper member for receiving a two distal portions of the shoelace, a compression spring between the button and the main body, and a pair of upper side members connected to a pair of lower members forming a pair of side openings for receiving the distal portions of the shoelace. The button has a pair side recesses that slide about a pair of corresponding stoppers thereby selectively engaging a portion of the shoelace there between when the button is released thereby preventing the release of the shoelace from the receiver openings.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes six lace sections, a clamp member, and a decorative knot. The lower ends of the first to fourth lace sections are anchored on the eyelet tabs. The upper ends of the first and second lace sections and those of the fifth and sixth lace sections are interconnected to form first and second loops, respectively. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on medial portions of the first and second lace sections. The upper end of at least one of the third and fourth lace sections and the lower ends of the fifth and sixth lace sections are anchored on the clamp member. The decorative knot is secured on and is disposed externally of the clamp member between the first and second loops, and has a knot portion and two distal portions.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes six lace sections, a clamp member, and a decorative knot. The lower ends of the first to fourth lace sections are anchored on the eyelet tabs. The upper ends of the first and second lace sections and those of the fifth and sixth lace sections are interconnected to form first and second loops, respectively. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on medial portions of the first and second lace sections. The upper end of at least one of the third and fourth lace sections and the lower ends of the fifth and sixth lace sections are anchored on the clamp member. The decorative knot is secured on and is disposed externally of the clamp member between the first and second loops, and has a knot portion and two distal portions.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes a shoe lace, a clamp member, and an assembly of two loops and a decorative knot. The shoe lace has a first lace segment that is strung on the shoe so as to form a criss-cross pattern on the eyelet tabs, and a second lace segment that includes first and second lace portions. Each of the lace portions has a lower end connected to the first lace segment so as to be anchored on a respective one of the eyelet tabs. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on at least one of the lace portions. Downward and upward movements of the clamp member along at least one of the lace portions result in tightening and loosening of the shoe. The assembly is disposed on and externally of the clamp member.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes a shoe lace, a clamp member, and a positioning unit. The shoe lace has first and second lace portions, each of which has lower, upper, and medial sections. The lower sections of the lace portions are anchored on eyelet tabs of the shoe. The upper sections of the lace portions are tied together to form a knot and a pair of distal lace ends. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on the medial sections of the lace portions. Downward and upward movements of the clamp member along the lace portions permit the tightening and loosening of the shoe. The positioning unit positions the knot on the clamp member such that the medial sections of the lace portions form first and second loops between the knot and the clamp member.

Abstract: A device (1) for securing end portions (4) of ribbon (3), including a base (6), having at least two openings (17), a cap (5), including at least two openings (11), wherein cap (5) and base (6) are rotatable relative to one another wherein openings (17) cooperate with two openings (11) such that opposite ends (4) of ribbon (3) are guided through respective pairs of cooperating openings (11, 17), and ends (4) can be wound up, characterized in that in the spacing between first flat structure (12) and second flat structure (7) a separate hub element (23) includes teeth (14) staggered to be positioned on the gaps relative to one another, wherein teeth (14) form a v-shaped groove (25), which is interrupted by alternatingly staggered gaps and tapers toward the interior of the hub element (23).

Abstract: A boot, particularly a sport boot, having an external sole on which an upper, demarcating a central introduction zone for the foot, is mounted, and having a lacing zone constituted of a lace or cable forming two strands that connect return elements of the lacing zone together through a predetermined course, and which are linked near their free ends to an immobilizing device or a clamp, wherein it has, near the introduction zone for the foot, at the end of the lacing zone, a storing pocket capable of receiving the free ends of the lace strands extending beyond the clamp after the quarters are tightened, as well as the clamp itself.

Abstract: This invention discusses methods for forming an adjustable look between a ligature and a frame. Three methods of 2-Hole, 3-Hole and, Loop Turning along with their applications are discussed. Means for easy unlocking of the system are provided. Some of the many applications of the methods include usage in packaging and moving, in belt buckles, in bolts (including the scat belts), in tents pegs, in tents, in cargo covers, in convertible tops, in wearable items; including shoes clothing items, hair bows, helmets, gloves, etc., in luggage racks (including car top luggage racks).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of preserving and protecting decorative tassels after they have become unsightly from wearing of an item, or to prevent their becoming so, particularly on shoes to which they are attached. Typically, one or more tassels are made up of strands of leather or synthetic leather extending integrally side-by-side from a stem base attached to the shoe. The method and apparatus comprises of arranging or rearranging and encasing the strands in a clamshell having an upper portion and a lower portion and snap lock mechanism with integrally molded hinge, thereby pressing the strands between the locked clamp and reviving them to or maintaining them in their original aesthetic appearance economically and conveniently.

Abstract: A shoelace anglet having a front opening at one end thereof, a rounded head at an opposite end thereof, an end slot in the rounded head, a split extended between the end slot and the front opening, at least one protruding portion disposed at a first side of the split, and at least one recessed portion disposed at a second side of the split and adapted to receive the at least one protruding portion respectively.

Abstract: A device to prevent the unraveling of common bow-tie shoelace knots. The four ends of a standard bow-tie knot (two loops and two loose ends) are gathered together in a stalk-like shape, and encircled snugly with an adjustable restraining material, which can then be anchored to the shoe to prevent the knot stalk from flopping around or getting snagged on environmental materials (e.g., branches, twigs, weeds, etc.). Referred to herein as a “lace lasso,” the device is light-weight, simple, and rapidly installed and attached to simple and common shoelace knots. The restraining material can be chord, elastic material, or fabric; adjustment in snugness and tension can be accomplished by small spring-loaded ripstop cylinders commonly used in camping gear, or Velcro fabric strips. The device can be attached to the shoe by caribiner-type clips or Velcro fabric strips which are connected to the restraining material wrapped around the ends of the shoelace knot.

Abstract: A fabric strap retainer having a back insertion hole at a back side thereof for the insertion of two fabric straps in a crossed manner, two post-like stop ends at two sides of the back insertion hole, a partition column disposed on the middle in flush with a front side thereof, two release holes respectively extended from the back insertion hole to the periphery thereof at two sides of the partition column, two hollow engagement units respectively forwardly extended from the release holes to the periphery thereof at two sides of the partition column, the hollow engagement units each having two series of teeth respectively disposed at top and bottom sides thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoelace tightening device.

Abstract: A fastener for preventing undesirable, accidental loosening of a shoelace during use. The fastener includes a holder piece made up of a serrate shank to be inserted through an eyelet of a shoe and an integral flat head adapted for pressure contact with the inner surface of a flap of the shoe. A fastener cap is put into engagement with the serrate shank on the outer surface of the flap for fastening purposes. A washer is interposed between the flap and the fastener cap and provided with the first through hole free passage of the shoelace and the second through hole for free passage of the serrate shank.

Abstract: A unique system comprises opposite lace-receivers of a footwear, lacing device, the footwear's tongue, lace-end coupling, and lace-section coupling. To assemble the unique system, the lacing device is threaded through the opposite lace-receivers to define opposite lace sections, each of which extends between two lace-receivers on the same side. The lacing device's ends are threaded into the tongue and coupled by the lace-end coupling, to be hidden and guarded inside the tongue, and to preset predetermined fastening and unfastening tensions of the lacing device. After the assemblage, the lace-section coupling couples or uncouples the opposite lace sections, to fasten the footwear onto a foot after the foot was inserted into the footwear or to unfasten the footwear from a foot before the foot will be pulled out of the footwear, respectively.

Abstract: A device for fastening a flexible tie has a hollow body provided with a guiding channel that forms a funnel for a translationally movable blocking element, this blocking element being subject to the constant action of an elastic element. The hollow body is housed in a case where it can move translationally parallel to the blocking element, and the blocking element is maintained in the case, on one side by virtue of the elastic element that acts directly between the blocking element and the case, and on other side by virtue of an abutment. A retractable abutment makes it possible to retain the hollow body against the blocking element to block the tie, or to release this hollow body so as to enable the sliding of the tie. The fastening device is particularly adapted to ensure the adjustment of a garment or a shoe by means of a tie, such as a lace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for retaining and/or blocking shoelaces, for sport shoes in particular. The device is in the shape of a tube portion (10), with two parts (11, 12) articulated about a hinge (13), that can be locked in the closed position and unlocked to allow for the insertion or removal of the shoelace in the shape of a bundle. The device is fastened by at least one fastening means to a part integral with the shoe, for instance to a shoelace passing through at least two holes (15, 16, 17, 18) formed in at least one (12) of the two parts of the tube.

Abstract: A lace buckle device in the present invention includes a buckle base, an operative rod and a spring. The buckle base is provided with a central vertical hollow and a lateral hole. Two slant holes are respectively provided at the left and right sides of the lateral hole and respectively slantwise extend to and through the left and right side walls of the buckle base. A catching rim is formed on each shorter section of each slant hole in the left side wall or right side wall. The operative rod is provided with a lateral passing hole penetrating through the front and rear walls.

Abstract: A lace-tensioning device which is a rigid cylindrical body (64) with two passages (58, 60) aligned parallel to the cylindrical axis and a handle element (62) projecting from the body (64) perpendicular to the cylindrical axis and functioning as a lever. The device is used in a laced closure by modifying the lacing pattern from the standard alternating pattern at one of the pairs of guide elements (68, 70) of the closure and threading the lace (75) through both passages (58, 60) of the tensioning device. A segment of lace (76) from one side (82) of the closure goes through one passage (60) in the device and then back to the same side (82) of the closure from which it came. A segment of lace (78) from the opposing side (84) of the closure goes through the other passage (58) in the tensioning device and back to the same opposing side (84) from which it came. The lace (75) is otherwise laced conventionally and its ends are tied together in a secure knot.

Abstract: Flap attachment means form part of a means to secure an object or parts thereof to the flaps of a shoe where said means to secure device comprises a plurality of flap attachment means. The flap attachment means are secured at or near the edge of flap of shoe and arranged in a linear sequence along length of flap. Each flap attachment means is attached either directly or via intermediate attachment means to an elongate member which itself is securable to said device. A first flap attachment means comprises a lever whose axis of rotation is parallel to and proximally set apart at a fixed distance from a substantially planar surface. Projecting from lever is a protrusion which rotates towards planar surface as lever is rotated towards surface. When a portion of flap is placed between protrusion and surface the lever is rotated downwards and that portion of flap is compressed between protrusion and surface and kept in place by a pinning action of the protrusion which pins it between itself and surface.