Abstract: A shoelace tightening system for singlehanded tightening of a shoelace on a shoe. The shoelace tightening system includes a shoelace, a pull tab and a fastening system. The shoelace is threaded through eyelets on both sides of the shoe's throat, with a pull tab slidably secured to a continuous free length of shoelace extending between the exit eyelets. The pull tab is operable for pulling the shoelace taut with a single hand, and fastenable to the shoe upper at a location that keeps the shoelace taut.

Abstract: A shoelace arrangement is provided for a shoe. The shoelace arrangement is basically provided with an upper, a shoelace tightener and a shoelace. The upper includes a first surface and a second surface opposite side of the first surface. The shoelace tightener is disposed to the upper. The shoelace is coupled to the shoelace tightener. The shoelace includes a first shoelace portion entirely extending on the first surface, and a second shoelace portion entirely extending on the second surface. The first shoelace portion and the second shoelace portion cross one another via the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A footwear assembly includes at least one article of footwear having an upper and a housing disposed along the upper. A first lace extends along portions of the upper and into the housing through a first lateral aperture or a first medial aperture. The housing defines a swipe panel, a sole structure coupled with the upper, and a control PCB comprising a wireless communication module. The footwear assembly further includes an electronic device wirelessly coupled with the wireless communication module. The first lace can be incrementally tightened or loosened by swiping the swipe panel or via an input on a display screen of the electronic device.

Abstract: A lacing system for an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper comprising a lateral side, a medial side, and an instep region, a housing disposed adjacent the instep region, wherein a first lace and a second lace extend through a plurality of eyelets along the upper and into the housing, a motor disposed within the housing, the motor comprising a motor shaft and a motor gear, and a gear train in communication with the motor gear. When the motor shaft rotates, the first lace and the second lace are drawn into the housing via a wheel gear that is in communication with the gear train.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for securing shoelace knots by clamping an individual knot between two movable plates.

Abstract: A lacing system for an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper comprising a lateral side, a medial side, and a tongue, and a housing disposed adjacent the tongue. A plurality of lateral eyelets are disposed along the lateral side of the upper and a plurality of medial eyelets are disposed along the medial side of the upper. A first lace extends from the housing through the plurality of lateral eyelets, and a second lace extends from the housing through the plurality of medial eyelets.

Abstract: The application discloses a tightening system for shoelaces. The tightening system contains a tightener inset in the body of a shoe, a hinge coupled to a tightener, an appendage coupled to the tightener via the hinge, in which the appendage can go in and out of the body of the shoe via the hinge so that it can be inset in the rear body of the shoe and not protruding when the user is not loosening or tightening the shoelaces, and the appendage can protrude from the shoe when not secured into place so that a user can use the appendage to engage with each of the pair of shoelaces; and responsive to an action of a user, cause each of the pair of shoelaces to be loosened and tightened.

Abstract: Two apparatuses and a method are disclosed. The first apparatus includes a retention surface that substantially surrounds a knot; and a retention mechanism that couples a first end of the retention surface to a second end of the retention surface. The second apparatus includes a first retention surface; a second retention surface; a retention mechanism; and a tightening mechanism. The method includes providing a knot holder that includes a retention surface, a retention mechanism and a tightening mechanism; placing the knot holder around a knot, fastening a first end of the retention surface to a second end of the retention surface; and tightening the knot holder against the knot with the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: A weight for attachment to a piece of footwear includes a first weighted member having a plurality of holes arranged along a length of the weighted member and extending between a first face of the weighted member and a second face of the weighted member. A channel extends between a perimeter of one of the plurality of holes and a perimeter of the weighted member.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a winding device that can correctly and separately rotate and drive two winding units by changing a rotation direction of a handle.

Abstract: A closure device including a beam, a catch at a distal end of the beam, a hinge connected to the beam, the hinge including a bi-stable spring and a shape memory element, and a controller connected to the shape memory element, the controller selectively delivering power to the shape memory element to change a state of the bi-stable spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoelace binding device and, more particularly, to a shoelace binding device that is more convenient by allowing shoelaces to be easily tied and untied, simply replaced, and easily pulled. The shoelace binding device includes: a center stopper fixing a first half and a second half of a shoelace at a middle portion of an instep of a shoe; and a buckle holding the first half and the second half of the shoelace at a middle portion of a neck of the shoe. The buckle includes a male buckle member and a female buckle member. The male buckle member has a male buckle body, a guide formed, and an elastic arm. The female buckle member has a female buckle body, a housing, and a side hole formed.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism for use with a lacing element is disclosed. The fastening mechanism is adjustable and includes an elongated member and a rigid element. There are two channels extending through the fastening mechanism that are configured to receive and secure portions of the lacing element. In some embodiments, a plurality of ridges can be formed along a sloped sidewall in each of the channels. The fastening mechanism may be utilized with articles of footwear or apparel.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an intermediate covering portion with an adjustable volume. The intermediate covering portion is closed around the instep of the foot. The article also includes a tensioning system that can be used to change the volume of the intermediate covering portion. The tensioning system includes two tension balancing members engaged with driven tensioning members, and a common driving tensioning member that engages both tension balancing members.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows laces, ropes, and/or string to be cinched. In an embodiment, an apparatus that contains two parts, one part (e.g., the second part) is designed to accommodate the passage through it of the laces, ropes, and/or strings and the other part (e.g., the first part) is designed to releasably join with the second part allowing the laces, ropes, and/or strings to be cinched.

Abstract: A footwear, footwear vamp, footwear vamp fastening element, footwear-vamp assembly and processes for production and/or assembly of a footwear. A footwear (10) comprising at least one vamp (1), at least one outsole (6) and at least one fastening element (2), the fastening element (2) comprising at least one base (5) and at least one projection (4), defining a confinement region (7) for mounting the vamp (1.1).

Abstract: Lace retention devices are disclosed that can safely and conveniently hold looped laces in place, while also being aesthetically pleasing. One embodiment of a lace retention device according to the present invention comprises an arm and a holding mechanism integral to one end of the arm. A housing is also included that is integral to the arm at an end opposite the holding mechanism with the housing being sized and shaped to hold looped footwear laces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in an article of jewelry of the type in which the ornamental portion of the article is secured or released selectively from the support portion of the article. The removable jewelry setting provides a simplified construction which is used readily by the wearer of jewelry to assemble a particular combination of ornament and support selected from a wide variety of such combinations made available by the improvement. The construction also enhances the ability to tailor a jewelry article to a particular style of dress without unduly multiplying the number of expensive ornaments required to provide a wide range of ornamented articles. The construction enables ease of interchange of the ornamental portion of an article of jewelry.

Abstract: The inventive concept relates to a shoe enabling the adjustment of the tension of shoelaces. The shoe includes a first shoelace engaging member including left and right shoelace engaging members and a second shoelace engaging member. The first shoelace engaging member includes a first fixed member engaged to the shoe front upper and a movable member rotatably engaged to the first fixed member by means of hinge formed at first end of the movable member. The movable member includes a hole through which a shoelace passes and formed at second end of the movable member. The second shoelace engaging member is disposed between the left and right shoelace engaging members. The second shoelace engaging member includes a second fixed member disposed on a tongue and a second movable member rotatably engaged to the second fixed member by means of a main hinge.

Abstract: A device and method for securely tying a shoelace. Two ends of a shoelace are secured within two bobbin ports and the shoelace is wrapped around a bobbin as the bobbin is rotated. A ratchet is attached to the bobbin, rotates with the bobbin, and enables the bobbin to be locked in place (securely tying the shoelace). A frame enables access to the shoelace before, during, and after the shoelace tying procedure.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided for securing a shoelace knot. The fastening device has a base plate configured to conceal a portion of a knot of a tied shoelace, wherein the base plate has an upper surface and a lower surface. The fastening device also has a first clamping assembly arranged on the lower surface of the base plate. The first clamping assembly has an arm moveable between an open position and a closed position. The fastening device also has a second clamping assembly arranged on the lower surface of the base plate. The second clamping assembly has an arm moveable between an open position and a closed position. In addition, the arm of the first clamping assembly and the arm of the second clamping assembly are independently moveable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for tying a shoelace includes a planar-shaped body member including a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening. Each of the openings is configured to allow the shoelace to be inserted there through. The first, second, third and fourth openings may be arranged in a two-by-two array, wherein the first and second openings form a first row of the array, and wherein the third and fourth openings form a second row of the array. The first and fourth openings may be coupled to one another by a first slit, and the second and third openings may be coupled to one another by a second slit.

Abstract: The device to secure the shoelace knot has flexible upper member and flexible lower member attached preferably using eyelet kind of part at equally spaced lateral apertures of upper member and lower member in a manner where upper member's top surface attaches to lower member's top surface so that shoelace can be inserted through apertures of upper member and a lower member to tie a knot over upper member's bottom surface. After tying regular shoelace bow knot over upper member's bottom surface, the upper member's body is folded at imaginary center axis to fasten the hook and loop ends while securing knot in bigger knot receiving aperture of upper member while lower member rests on shoe's surface providing extra support even when shoe is being used in regress sports activities and ensuring that knot remains tied.

Abstract: The device to secure the shoelace knot has flexible upper member and flexible lower member attached preferably using eyelet kind of part at equally spaced lateral apertures of upper member and lower member in a manner where upper member's top surface attaches to lower member's top surface so that shoelace can be inserted through apertures of upper member and a lower member to tie a knot over upper member's bottom surface. After tying regular shoelace bow knot over upper member's bottom surface, the upper member's body is folded at imaginary center axis to fasten the hook and loop ends while securing knot in bigger knot receiving aperture of upper member while lower member rests on shoe's surface providing extra support even when shoe is being used in regress sports activities and ensuring that knot remains tied.

Abstract: A unique system has a releasably locking device for quickly and easily locking and releasing a loop-section fastener on and from a loop without the needs for taking the loop apart respectively.

Abstract: A stopper for securing an end of a lace in an article having at least one eyelet, such as a shoe, without having to form an exposed knot. A thin, rigid body includes a series of openings arranged in a row, including a first, middle opening through which the lace is routed from the eyelet, a second opening proximate one end through which the lace is routed from the middle opening, and a third opening proximate an opposite through which the lace is routed from the second opening via the first end of the body, the third opening having a slot-shaped configuration. When tension is applied to the lace, as by a foot being inserted into a shoe, a locking engagement is formed between the lace and stopper and the stopper reacts against the eyelet. The stopper may be hidden from view behind the eyelet stay of a shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in an article of jewelry of the type in which the ornamental portion of the article is secured or released selectively from the support portion of the article. The removable jewelry setting provides a simplified construction which is used readily by the wearer of jewelry to assemble a particular combination of ornament and support selected from a wide variety of such combinations made available by the improvement. The construction also enhances the ability to tailor a jewelry article to a particular style of dress without unduly multiplying the number of expensive ornaments required to provide a wide range of ornamented articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening a half double knot is disclosed. In embodiments, the apparatus includes a slider that includes a loop. A shoelace or drawstring is threaded through the loop. The shoelace or drawstring is tied in a bow knot. The slider is positioned adjacent to the bow knot. An end of the shoelace or drawstring and a bow of the bow knot opposite the end are tied in a half knot so that the half knot and the bow knot comprise a half double knot. The slider is moved toward the end to open the half double knot. In embodiments, the apparatus further includes a stopper that adheres to the end of the shoelace or drawstring and that prevents the slider from moving past the end of the shoelace or drawstring when the half double knot is opened.

Abstract: A cord locking system that allows easy, rapid, and effective locking/unlocking of any size or type lace in a single handed, swift motion. The device includes a pair of arms that freely rotate about a swivel point within a base housing in a scissors-like motion that lock teeth against the lace by using compression forces from a spring. The arms protrude outside the base for easy disengagement, using a mechanical advantage of leverage to work against the spring force at the teeth on the lace to disengage the lock. Lifting finger upward on the arms to disengage the lock so that the teeth open allows the device to slide up and down the laces toward the preferred location. To lock, let go of the arms as the spring force presses the teeth into the lace at each side of the locking compartment to both lace ends within the device.

Abstract: Stay a two part device that snap in place over shoelaces must be a effective, fractured resistance way to keep shoelaces from becoming untied. Easy to put on and take off, safe for children as well as adults. Device must be as small as possible while allowing it to function properly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a footwear such as shoes, sneakers and the like are provided with a clamp including a first and a second member, the first member having a post extending said second member in a complementary relation, and the second member in a complementary relation, and the second member being connected to the first in a hinge-like relation, the second member having an opening therein for receiving the post attached to the first member. The post is attached to the first member in a complementary relation to the opening in the second member, such that when the bow knot clamp is in a closed position the post remains attached to the first member, extends toward the fabric of the shoe laces being supported, and is received by the opening in the second member, whereby the fabric of the shoe laces being supported is substantially held fixed.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper, a lateral quarter and a medial quarter. A device for tightening the upper includes a first lateral lace strand and at least two points for connecting the first lateral strand to the lateral quarter, as well as a first medial lace strand and at least two points for connecting the first medial strand to the medial quarter. Each lateral or medial strand includes a lateral intermediate portion or a medial intermediate portion, respectively, which extends between two connecting points of the same lateral or medial quarter, without being guided by a connecting point of the other lateral or medial quarter, a connector connecting the lateral and medial intermediate portions of the lateral and medial strands, respectively, the connector enabling the sliding of at least one of the lateral and medial strands.

Abstract: A device for binding shoelaces is disclosed. The device is provided on shoes having hook rings oppositely formed on both side of the instep thereof, the device comprising a binding member having a clutching plate formed with a clutching recess with a constant distance according to one side thereof; a receiving member having an opened slot at one side thereof so that the clutching plate is inserted in, a magnetic body attached on one side of the slot, and an installing recess formed in the direction vertical to the slot; and an adjusting member having a board typed pressing plate rotatably installed in the installing recess to be selectively attached to the magnetic body and receiving the pressing force, and a stopper protruded from one side of the pressing plate and selectively clutched in the clutching recess.

Abstract: A string fastener including a fastener body and two positioning units is provided. The fastener body has two first holes and two sliding tracks. The first holes are defined completely through a top to a bottom of the fastener body. The sliding tracks are respectively defined in the opposite sides, extended toward a bar portion, forming between the first holes, and communicated with the first holes. The positioning units respectively have a bulge, an opening, an indentation and an operating portion. The bulge can be held in the first holes to locate the positioning unit. A block portion is formed between the opening and the indentation. The operating portion is connected to the positioning unit body outside the fastener body. Therefore, multiple spaces for the string to pass through are provided with the block portions of the position units and the bar portion of the fastener body.

Abstract: The Shoe Lace Holder is an invention specifically designed to secure a tied shoe lace, thus preventing the unraveling of the shoe lace. The Shoe Lace Holders offer multiple advantages: Parents and caregivers of the young or elderly may use this device as a safety measure to prevent accidents caused by untied shoe laces. The Shoe Lace Holder, may be beneficial to individuals with mental and or physical impairments such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. The Shoe Lace Holder may also be used across a wide spectrum of areas, i.e. securing the tied strings on handbags, purses, sweatpants or athletic apparel or any clothing that utilizes a drawstring or tying mechanism. The Shoe Lace Holder comes in four distinct Styles. The Velcro Shoe Lace Holder, the Button Fastener Shoe Lace Holder, Snap On Button Shoe Lace Holder, and the Slide Back Shoe Lace Holder.

Abstract: A shoelace knot retaining apparatus includes a first arm and a second arm connected by a living hinge positioned therebetween. The first arm includes a free first end and a second end, and the second arm includes a free first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm is connected to the second end of the second arm via the living hinge, and the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are respectively provided with mating snap connection members. The living hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm is integrally formed with the first and second arms and forms a portion of the first and second arms to create a knot recess in which a shoelace knot is positioned for retaining.

Abstract: The invention is for a lace gripper comprising an upper body and a lower body that may be joined together whereby a tied lace is secured between the two bodies. Preferable the upper body is designed to receive inserts, charms, lights, recording devices, alarm and locating audible signals and locating devices, to allow the user to customize the lace gripper to their personal preference. The lace gripper can additionally be utilized to maintain a memo and would be secured to an object of daily use, such as a key ring or purse.

Abstract: A clamping device for keeping conventionally tied shoe laces from becoming untied. The device has a top frame that contacts the top of the shoe laces and a bottom frame that contacts the bottom of the shoe laces. These two frames clamp the lace on both sides of a conventionally tied shoe lace knot and are connected by a hinge. The two frames are secured together by a latch. This device secures both the lace tension on the shoe and the knot.

Abstract: A shoelace management and retainment device for temporarily retaining the loop and free ends of a shoelace bow formed on a shoe when tied. An open ended cylindrical sleeve of yieldable material is attached to portions of the shoelace extending through the eyelets of the shoe. An insertion opening is formed along the longitudinal length of the device into which the bow portion and shoelace ends of the shoelace is inserted translaterally so as to be positioned therewithin and extend partially out through corresponding respective distal end thereof.

Abstract: A shoelace retainer is integrated with a shoe having a shoelace. The retainer features a one or more flaps permanently or releasably attached to the shoe at a position for receiving the free ends of the shoelace. The bottom surfaces of the flaps include releasable attachments such as hook and loop fastening elements. The retainer also features one or more tabs in functional alignment with the flaps. The tabs have hook and loop fastening elements adapted to engage the elements of the hook and loop fastener on the bottom side of the lateral flap. The tabs and flaps are adapted to releasably secure the free ends and bows of a tied shoelace. An elastic tongue joint is optionally provided to facilitate extension of the tongue.

Abstract: An adjustable lace assembly includes a lace, a tubular member, two stop members, and two spaced apart inserting pins. The lace is composed of two separate lace segments each having a tagged end and an opposite bent end portion. The tubular member has a passage for receiving the bent end portions. The stop members are mounted pivotally inside the tubular member at two axially spaced apart positions and span the passage. Each of the stop members has an engaging part engageable with one of the bent end portions. The inserting pins are insertable removably into the tubular member, are capable of disengaging the bent end portions, respectively, from the engaging parts of the stop members, and permit movement of the bent end portions so that a length between the tagged end of each of the lace segments and a corresponding one of the stop members can be adjusted.

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 footwear lace retainer includes a first fabric sheet having a pair of spaced-apart openings for passage of the lace therethrough and a second fabric sheet secured to the first fabric sheet to form a pocket sized and shaped for receiving ends of the lace therein and having an open end facing toward the openings. A portion of the first fabric sheet forms a closure selectively foldable between a closing position wherein the open end of the pocket is closed and an opening position wherein the open end of the pocket is open. The openings are located between a fold line of the first fabric sheet and the open end of the pocket. A hook and loop fastener releasably secures the closure in the closing position. An attachment on the first fabric sheet opposite the pocket secures the first fabric sheet to the lace.

Abstract: A multi-purpose shoelace structure comprises a shoelace flatly woven via multiple layers of side-by-side warps yarns and weft yarns interlacing back and forth the warp yarns thereof. A left and a right branches are formed by the interlaced warp and weft yarns respectively with a multiple of interwoven sections disposed at preset positions of the left and right branches thereon, and a multiple of elastic tying sections, each separated from the others via the interwoven sections thereof, equidistantly defined by the left and right branches thereof. When the shoelace is stringed through buttonholes of a shoe body and tied up into a knot, both ends of the shoelace are led through the elastic tying sections thereof and be held there-between at the left and right branches thereof for double protection in case the knot gets loose when the users are walking, running, or cycling. Both ends of the shoelace can also be led through the elastic tying sections in crisscross manner for more variety thereof.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the loosening of knotted ties, e.g., shoelaces, by applying to the ties a waxy composition comprising a waxy ingredient effective to inhibit the ties from becoming untied. Applicators suitable for applying compositions to ties are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lace tightening assembly is adapted for use with a shoe body having eyelet tabs, and includes a mounting seat mounted on one of the eyelet tabs, a tightening member mounted pivotally in the mounting seat, and an operating member for operating the tightening member to pivot between a shoe lace tightening position and a shoe lace loosening position.

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 unique system comprises a tongue of a footwear, a lace, a lace-end fastener, and a lace-section fastener. The footwear has two opposite sides and lace-receivers disposed thereon. To assemble the unique system, the footwear is laced with the lace to define opposite lace sections, each of which extends between two of the lace receivers on the same side. The tongue has at least one opening. The lace is threaded through the at least one opening. Then, the lace ends are fastened by the lace-end fastener and are hidden inside the tongue and prevented from moving. The lace-section fastener is for the opposite lace sections to be fastened thereon and to be unfastened therefrom, to fasten the footwear onto and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively.