Abstract: The invention relates to a quick lacing system (10) for releasably fixing at least one shoelace (20) to a housing (30), which has a channel (40) for feeding through at least one shoelace (20), wherein the channel (40) is at least partly made of a movably mounted rocker (50) with a substantially concave interior (60), which is oriented in the direction of the channel (40), on a first side and at least partly of an eccentric jaw (70), which interacts with the rocker (50) at least in a closed position of the quick lacing system (10), on a second side substantially opposite the rocker. The invention also relates to a shoe equipped with such a quick lacing system (10).

Abstract: A retainer assembly for securing a knot defined by a pair of shoelaces of a shoe includes a base member, a clamping member, and a clip member. The clamping member is engaged with the base member and telescopically moves relative to the base member between an extended position and a retracted position. The clamping member includes a clasp. Moreover, the clip member is pivotally coupled to the base member and is adapted to engage with the clasp when the clamping member is arranged in the retracted position to secure the knot between the clip member and the clamping member.

Abstract: Lace lock comprising a body with openings crossed by a lace (4) and with means for locking and unlocking the lace. Said body is constituted by a frame (1) on which two opposed levers (2d, 2s) are hinged, with a right lever (2d) and a left lever (2s), each of which can rotate on said frame (1) to assume a raised position (A) and respectively a lowered position (B), in which in the raised position (A) each lever (2d, 2s) leaves a corresponding space (3d, 3s), crossable by a lace (4), space that is closed when the levers (2d, 2s) are in lowered position, so that, when the levers (2d, 2s) are raised, the lace (4) is free to slide between each of the levers (2d, 2s) and the frame (1) and vice versa, when the levers (2d, 2s) are lowered, the lace (4) is locked.

Abstract: A lace lock system. The lace lock system is mountable to footwear and includes a latch having an aperture that receives a lace guide and is affixed to a cam. The lace guide is pivotally affixed to the cam and has a channel that receives a lace through the aperture. The lace lock is designed to transition between an open position and a locked position. In the locked position, the lace is tensioned to align a distal end of the cam within the channel of the lace guide, such that the distal end of the cam frictionally bears against the lace disposed in the channel. In the open position, the latch is rotated towards a first end of the lock, causing the distal end of the cam to misalign with the channel of the lace guide and release tension of the lace disposed in the channel.

Abstract: A shoelace retainer is provided for use with a shoe. The shoelace retainer generally includes a base defining at least one channel for receiving a first portion of a shoelace therein while the shoelace is coupled to a shoe, thereby coupling the shoelace retainer to the shoe, and a cap associated with the base and defining at least one receptacle relative to the base where the at least one receptacle is configured to receive a second portion of the shoelace when the base is coupled to the shoe.

Abstract: Provided is a lace adjustment device for adjusting a lace provided at a shoe or clothes, the device including: a housing having a lace insertion hole into which the lace is inserted; a fixing lever, disposed in the housing, for fixing the lace inserted into the housing; and an elastic member disposed in the housing and providing an elastic force to the fixing lever such that the fixing lever presses the lace inserted into the housing. According to the lace adjustment device according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a user may conveniently adjust a length of a lace provided at a shoe, clothes, or the like by simply pressing a button instead of directly pulling and tying, from both sides, the lace attached to the shoe, the clothes, or the like.

Abstract: The Lace Ratchet Device (LRD) facilitates lace fastening and release. The LRD has two states: “active” and “inactive”. In the active position the device works as a lace ratchet allowing the lace to be pulled forwards but restricting any lace motion backwards. After fastening the lace remains fastened until the LRD is switched into inactive state by manually pressing a lever. Each LRD has a turning gate rotatably installed diagonally in a channel with front end which is covered with sheet metal with sharp edge. A preloaded spring keeps the LRD in active position while the lever is not pressed. The LRD doesn't employ serrated blades which cause accelerated lace wear. Instead, the LRD's smooth front edge side and channel surfaces minimize lace wear. LRD pairs are suitable for fastening footwear and can be coupled with a clasp which locks dangling laces' front ends.

Abstract: The Belt Ratcheting Device (BRD) facilitates unidirectional belt fastening and fast release. The BRD has a turning gate rotatably installed diagonally in a channel. The turning gate has a tapered front end with sharp edge with a smooth side. A preloaded spring keeps the BRD in active state when the release lever is not pulled. The BRD has two states: “active” and “inactive”. In the active state the device works as a belt ratchet i.e. allowing the belt to be pulled forwards but restricting any belt motion backwards. After fastening, the belt remains fastened until the BRD is switched into inactive state by manually pulling the lever. The BRD doesn't employ serrated surfaces, which cause accelerated belt wear. Instead, the BRD's smooth side and channel's smooth surfaces minimize belt wear. BRDs facilitate garment belt fastening or belt fastening of footwear.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aiding a handicapped person or a child to tighten the laces on shoes and other forms of wearing apparel with only one finger. If a long handled hook is used the person does not even have to bend over to fasten the laces. Even an able bodied person will be able to fasten shoes, or other apparel faster than the current process.

Abstract: A catch for attachment to an elongated member and to control movement of the elongated member. The catch generally includes a body with one or more channels, a locking member positioned in the body in proximity to the channel, and a release member to control an extent of movement of the locking member. The catch provides for attachment to the elongated member to adjust its length. The catch is adjustable to provide for movement of the elongated member through the channel.

Abstract: The Lace Ratchet Device (LRD) facilitates lace fastening and release. The LRD has two states: “active” and “inactive”. In the active position the device works as a lace ratchet i.e. allowing the lace to be pulled forwards but restricting any lace motion backwards. After fastening the lace remains fastened until the LRD is switched into inactive state by manually pressing a lever. Each LRD has a turning gate rotatably installed in a channel with front end with sharp edge. A preloaded spring keeps the LRD in active position when the lever is not pressed. The LRD doesn't employ serrated surfaces, which cause accelerated lace wear. Instead, the LRD's smooth front edge side and channel surfaces minimize lace wear. Parallel and triangular configurations of LRD pairs facilitate lace fastening of footwear. Single LRDs can be used for fastening of garments and other objects.

Abstract: A restraint system has a block with a front end, a rear end, a first side, and a second side. The first and second sides are disposed between the front and rear ends. A receiving slot passes from the first side to the second side. A first locking slot and a second locking slot passes from the front end to the rear end. An elongate cable has a first and second terminus. A central portion of the cable is received in the receiving slot by passing the first terminus through the receiving slot. The first terminus is passed through the first locking slot and the second terminus is passed through the second locking slot, each from the rear end to the front end.

Abstract: Various configurations of Lace Ratchet Device (LRD) enables easy lace fastening and release. The LRD has two positions: “active” and “inactive”. In the active position the device works as a lace ratchet i.e. allowing the lace to be pulled forwards but blocks any lace motion backwards. After fastening the lace remains fastened until the LRD is switched into inactive position by pressing a lever. Each LRD has a turning gate with front end with sharp edge, rotatably installed in a channel. A preloaded helical torque spring keeps the LRD in active position when the lever is not pressed. Unlike prevalent lace fasteners with serrated surfaces, which cause accelerated lace wear, LRD's smooth front edge side and channel surfaces minimize lace wear. Parallel and triangular configurations of LRD pairs facilitates lace fastening of footwear, serving as “Ratchet Buckles”. Single LRDs can be used for fastening of garments and other objects.

Abstract: A lace fastener for an article of footwear has at least an upper and a lower half attached by a spring, screw or similar mechanism. The lace fastener has at least one display face that may have the name, color, logo, etc. of the user's choosing. The lace fastener is adhered to the outer portion of the article of footwear, preferably near the top of the article of footwear. Once the article of footwear is laced, the laces are pulled through the lace fastener and the upper half is closed securing the laces in place. The laces may then be pulled through lace holders around the article of footwear in order to hold the laces neatly in place.

Abstract: A lace fastener for an article of footwear has at least an upper and a lower half attached by a spring, screw or similar mechanism. The lace fastener has at least one display face that may have the name, color, logo, etc. of the user's choosing. The lace fastener is adhered to the outer portion of the article of footwear, preferably near the top of the article of footwear. Once the article of footwear is laced, the laces are pulled through the lace fastener and the upper half is closed securing the laces in place. The laces may then be pulled through lace holders around the article of footwear in order to hold the laces neatly in place.

Abstract: A clip device for securing a shoe lace has a base. A bottom plate is coupled to the base. The bottom plate has a plurality of bottom plate teeth located on one end thereof. A top plate is coupled to the bottom plate. The top plate has a plurality of top plate teeth. A pivot assembly is provided to pivotably couple the bottom plate and the top plate. A spring mechanism is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate. The spring mechanism forces the top plate downwards towards the bottom plate.

Abstract: A clasp for clasping the end sections of a shoelace for tightening a shoe is configurable between an open position for receiving the end sections and a closed position clasping the end sections. The clasp is connected to a shoe and generally includes a base and a cover hingedly connected to the base. The base includes two elongate channels for receiving the shoelace ends. The cover closes over the base and the received laces. The cover and base include cooperating ratchet teeth that allow the laces to be tightened but not loosened without opening the cover.

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 boot laceable by means of a bootlace with a plurality of bootlace-deflecting elements and at least two separating units for dividing the bootlace into a bootlace portion extending in the forefoot region and a bootlace portion extending in the lower leg region, the separating units each comprising a base element fastenable to the boot and an eyelet element, fitted swivellably to the base element, in between which the bootlace may be clamped. The eyelet element comprises a substantially arched clip portion with a middle part and two clip legs. The two clip legs each comprise an opening, wherein the bootlace may be introduced through the one opening into the inside of the arch shape, passed under the middle part and passed back out of the arch shape through the other opening.

Abstract: A lace or draw string fastening system can include a clamping unit and a capture element. The clamping unit can clamp onto the laces, such as shoe laces, to tighten the shoes and the capture element can capture and contain the free ends of the laces that extend from the clamping unit to prevent tripping by securing them to other portions of the laces or the article that houses the laces. The fastening system can be used in a shoe lace fastening system without the need for knot tying. The clamping unit can clamp the laces together at the top of the shoe to hold the laces tight while the capture element can contain or secure the free ends of the shoe lace to the shoe or the laces adjacent the toe to prevent tripping.

Abstract: A shoelace with a shoelace fastener includes a first retaining base at an end of a first lace and/or a second retaining base at another end of the first lace, and a ratchet and an elastic clipping element are disposed in the first retaining base and the second retaining base respectively, such that the ratchet can be pressed at an end of the elastic clipping element, and the ratchet is pressed by the elastic clipping element into a normal slantingly pressed down status. When use, a fabric shoelace or a serrated plastic groove is passed into the retaining base, and ends of the ratchets are provided for clamping a surface of the fabric shoelace or plastic shoelace to facilitate adjusting the tightness of the shoelace.

Abstract: A footwear item including an upper portion; at least one lace passing through eyelets arranged along the edges of an opening on the front the upper portion, and that tightens, thereby drawing the edges of the opening closer to each other, when pulled in a fastening direction; a string locking arrangement, provided in the upper portion having one or more passages in which the at least one lace is inserted and is capable of sliding when the wearer pulls it, while being capable of being retained there by a lock when it is at rest. The lock including an oscillating locking member in contact with the at least one lace to slide when the latter is pulled in the fastening direction, and which gets attached onto the at least one lace and locks it in position when the latter undergoes a tension in a direction opposite to the fastening direction.

Abstract: A blocking device adapted to act on at least one lace or strand, the blocking device including a body, a first cavity defining a first pathway for the strand, the device including a first blocking member, a first guide for guiding the first blocking member relative to the body, and first elastic member to bias the first blocking member in a direction to press the strand against a surface of the pathway, the device functioning by cooperation of a first blocking member with the first pathway for blocking the strand by a wedging effect. The first cavity is open, so as to enable the strand to be inserted and disengaged in a direction other than that of the pathway.

Abstract: A shoelace with a shoelace fastener includes a first retaining base at an end of a first lace and/or a second retaining base at another end of the first lace, and a ratchet and an elastic plate are disposed in the first retaining base and the second retaining base respectively, such that the ratchet can be pressed at an end of the elastic plate, and the ratchet is pressed by the elastic plate into a normal slantingly pressed down status. When use, a fabric shoelace or a serrated plastic groove is passed into the retaining base, and ends of the ratchets are provided for clamping a surface of the fabric shoelace or plastic shoelace to facilitate adjusting the tightness of the shoelace.

Abstract: A shoe clip (100) includes two members (10, 12) that attach together in positions above and beneath shoe laces (20), to grip the shoe laces (20) between them and position the clip (100) on the shoe (22). A first member (10) is shaped and sized to slide under one or more laces (10) of the shoe, without requiring unlacing thereof. A second member (12) rotatably attaches at one end to the first member and, after insertion of the first member (10) beneath the laces (10), rotates to overlie the first member (10). The members then fasten to one another at their free ends (15, 17), such that the members grip the laces (20) between them. The second member supports or is integral with a component that is to be attached to the shoe.

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: The devices sole purpose is to keep the integrity of a knot once it is formed with the shoe lace to keep the shoe securely fastened about the foot. This will be accomplished by precluding the bows and excess laces on each side of the knot from movement or slippage in any direction. The semi attached properties of the device will allow its user to remove it from one shoe and place it on another.

Abstract: A cam cleat particularly usable for securing laces of footwear which is easy and quick to assembly making use of a base member with vertically extending studs including vertical slots defined therein to facilitate the studs flexing inwardly to a smaller diameter to facilitate placement of engaging caps on the studs with the respective locking rims of the studs being engageable into locking grooves defined in the mated surfaces of the engaging caps. In this manner the caps can be snapped onto the mounting studs merely by exerting downward pressure thereon with a return spring held in the proper position.

Abstract: A device for blocking at least one strand of a lace or other filiform element, the device including a rotatable blocking member and a hollow body, the hollow body having a cavity for housing the blocking member. The blocking member is circular, freely rotatable, and elastically biased in the direction of blocking the strand(s). The device further includes an unblocking member. The unblocking member has a gripping portion located at a distance from the hollow body.

Abstract: A shoe clip (100) includes two members (10, 12) that attach together in positions above and beneath shoe laces (20), to grip the shoe laces (20) between them and position the clip (100) on the shoe (22). A first member (10) is shaped and sized to slide under one or more laces (10) of the shoe, without requiring unlacing thereof. A second member (12) rotatably attaches at one end to the first member and, after insertion of the first member (10) beneath the laces (10), rotates to overlie the first member (10). The members then fasten to one another at their free ends (15, 17), such that the members grip the laces (20) between them. The second member supports or is integral with a component that is to be attached to the shoe.

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: The brake device (30) for a lace (2), of a boot (31), sliding in a base part (1) linked to the boot (31), comprises a lever (3) articulated on the base part (1), returned by an elastic means (11) into a position of contact with the lace (2) preventing the sliding of the lace (2) in one direction by pressing action. The lever (3) has holding means (15, 16) enabling it to maintain a second, stable position allowing the sliding of the lace (2) in both directions, thus making the action required for opening the boot more convenient.

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 shoelace fastener is provided for a shoe that includes a shoelace having a pair of distal lace segments. The shoelace fastener includes a pair of fastener bodies formed with a pair of through holes, respectively. Each of the fastener bodies has a clamping pin 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 clamping pin, and into the lace exit side of the through hole in the respective fastener body. Tension applied by the shoe on the shoelace enables the clamping pins to clamp the distal lace segments against the fastener body. Pulling of the fastener bodies through a pull unit results in loosening of the shoe.

Abstract: A clamp device for a string includes a housing that confines an operating space and that is formed with string inlet and string outlet holes. Each of a pair of clamp members has a pivot portion pivotally retained in the housing, and a clamping portion that extends from the pivot portion and that has an inclined end face. The clamping portions are movable toward each other from a releasing position to a clamping position, where the inclined end faces cooperate to form a diverging clamping space that is communicated with the string inlet hole. Stop blocks on the inclined end faces limit movement of the clamping portions from the releasing position to the clamping position. An operating unit is connected to the clamp members, and is operable for moving the clamping portions from the clamping position to the releasing position.

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 tying system that quickly and easily secures together ends of ropes, straps or cords is provided. The tying system has a base member and two holding members attached to different sides of the base member by first and second hinges. The tying system has opposing retention surfaces positioned on the base or holding members so that when the holding members are folded back onto each other as permitted by the hinges, two retention regions are created that tightly grip and hold the rope, strap or cord in place. The tying system is adaptable for many different sizes and dimensions of ropes, straps or cords and may be designed to grip and hold permanently or releasably.

Abstract: A shoe clip (100) includes two members (10, 12) that attach together in positions above and beneath shoe laces (20), to grip the shoe laces (20) between them and position the clip (100) on the shoe (22). A first member (10) is shaped and sized to slide under one or more laces (10) of the shoe, without requiring unlacing thereof. A second member (12) rotatably attaches at one end to the first member and, after insertion of the first member (10) beneath the laces (10), rotates to overlie the first member (10). The members then fasten to one another at their free ends (15, 17), such that the members grip the laces (20) between them. The second member supports or is integral with a component that is to be attached to the shoe.

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: The devices sole function is to aid the shoelace once tied in obtaining its ultimate purpose of securing the shoe about the foot. This is done by the device being placed on both sides of the knot and fastening the excess lace in a manner to alleviate slippage of the knot, the bow and the excess lace.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends (3) together. The fastening device comprises a body including first and second members (11, 12) having a passage through which the lace ends can pass. The passage may include aperture means (25). The device also comprises a gripping means associated with the passage for gripping the lace ends in a manner which allows movement of the lace ends through the passage but selectively resists reverse movement. The gripping means are typically defined by the first and second members (11, 12).