Abstract: Provided are, among other things, shoes having elastic tongue-securing straps.

Abstract: A shoe lace securement system has a pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms. Each of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms has a container having a hollow interior storing unused portions of the shoe lace. A mechanism secures one end of the shoe lace to the container. A first connector is coupled to a bottom surface of the container attaching the container to the shoe.

Abstract: A fastening device is applied for being installed at an article and includes a base, a coupling member and a reel member. The base is located at the article and includes a bottom cover and a rotating plate, the bottom cover includes a bore, and the rotating plate is movably coupled to the bottom cover. The coupling member inserts an installing hole of the article and the bore, the coupling member is coupled to the rotating plate, and the reel member is coupled to a lace and disposed at the base. The rotating plate is rotated to move the coupling member in the bore, thereby narrowing a gap between the base and the article.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a medial support member coupled to a medial portion and having a first rail, a lateral support member coupled to a lateral portion and having a second rail, a plurality of lace-receiving members disposed on and movable along the first and second rails to move the article of footwear between an open configuration and a closed configuration, a lace member extending between the plurality of first lace-receiving members and the plurality of second lace-receiving members, a grip member extending from an upper-most first lace-receiving member of the plurality of first lace-receiving members or from an upper-most second lace-receiving member of the plurality of second lace-receiving members, and a locking member configured for securing the article of footwear in the closed configuration. The locking member has a first side portion and a second side portion forming a notch therebetween configured to receive the grip member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a string adjuster that can adjust the length of a string by winding the string. A string adjuster of the present invention includes a fixed unit and a rotation unit, in which a knob of the rotation unit includes a first extension having a counter-anti-separator formed on the interior circumferential surface and preventing separation from a housing, a second extension having a winding determination protrusion formed on the interior circumferential surface and determining winding and releasing modes, and a spacing groove formed between the first extension and the second extension.

Abstract: In one instance, an attachment device for use in attaching a hook-and-loop patch to Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) includes a backing member having a central stem and a first cap and a second cap portion. The front side of the device has a hook or loop material applied to it. The first cap has a first wing and second wing. The second cap has a third wing and fourth wing. The backing material is flexible enough to allow the first cap or second cap to be compressed to go through a loop on a MOLLE and then released causing it to return to its original position. In this way, it is attached to a loop on the MOLLE and may then receive a coordinated hook or loop material on the back of a patch. Other embodiments are presented.

Abstract: A lace adjuster for selectively adjusting and securing a shoelace of a shoe, the shoelace including a first lace end and a second lace end, includes an adjuster body, and a lace end retainer. The lace end retainer is coupled to the adjuster body. The lace end retainer is configured to receive and retain the first lace end and/or the second lace end between the lace end retainer and a surface of the adjuster body. The first lace end and/or the second lace end of the shoelace is thus inhibited from being moved relative to the lace end retainer and the adjuster body when retained by the lace end retainer by a force generated by a contact pressure of the lace end retainer against the surface of the adjuster body. The lace end retainer can be formed from a resilient material.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to automated tightening of a footwear platform including a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, a footwear lacing apparatus can include a housing structure, a spool, and a drive mechanism. The housing structure can include a top section and a bottom section. The spool can include a superior surface, a lace spool under the superior surface and a spool shaft with a keyed connection pin. The spool can also be integrated into the top section of the housing structure. The drive mechanism can couple with the spool via the keyed connection pin on the spool shaft. The drive mechanism can be adapted to rotate the spool to tighten or loosen a lace cable integrated into the footwear.

Abstract: A clamp includes a cap, a base, a plurality of staggered protrusions on the base and the cap, a hinge, and a latch. The hinge is defined by the cap and the base. The latch is configured to secure the cap to the base. A footwear includes laces on the footwear, an upper, and at least one aforementioned clamp. The clamp attaches to the upper and the laces, securing the laces. The clamp may be repositioned and may be removable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a string adjuster that can adjust the length of a string by winding the string. A string adjuster of the present invention includes a fixed unit and a rotation unit, in which a knob of the rotation unit includes a first extension having a counter-anti-separator formed on the interior circumferential surface and preventing separation from a housing, a second extension having a winding determination protrusion formed on the interior circumferential surface and determining winding and releasing modes, and a spacing groove formed between the first extension and the second extension.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises an upper defining an interior void, a sole structure attached to the upper, a cable attached to the upper and moveable in a tightening direction to decrease a volume of the interior void of the upper and in a loosening direction to increase a volume of the interior void of the upper, and a locking device operable between a locked state to prevent movement of the cable and an unlocked state to permit movement of the cable, the locking having a housing attached to one of the upper and the sole structure and receiving the cable therethrough. The housing includes a pulley rotatably disposed therein, whereby the pulley is engaged by the cable and configured cooperate with the housing to provide audible or tactile feedback when the pulley is rotated by cable.

Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing, a tension member, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a tightening component that is positioned axially above the spool and that is operably coupled therewith so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the housing to wind the tension member about the spool. The reel based closure device also includes a coupling component that is separate from the tension member and that frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed to the tension member. The spool component includes a coupling feature within which the coupling component is positioned to attach the tension member to the spool.

Abstract: A shoe lace securement system has a pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms. Each of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms has a spool having a pair of circular discs connected together, wherein inward facing walls of each of the pair of circular discs have a plurality of protrusions. A hollow tube connects the pair of circular discs. A conduit is attached to an upper rear area of the shoe. A stretchable strap is inserted in the conduit. A cap member is attached to each end of the stretchable strap. A pair of securing clasps are provided, each of the securing clasps comprises a tubular member having a hollow interior, the tubular member cut along a first horizontal edge through the hollow interior to a second horizontal edge, the tubular member hingly coupled at the second horizontal edge; a first opening formed through a top surface of the tubular member and in the hollow interior, and a second opening formed through a bottom surface of the tubular member and in the hollow interior.

Abstract: A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel that includes a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing.

Abstract: A rotary closure with a latching system that latches together the components of the rotary closure in a snap-fit engagement is disclosed. The latching system includes a latching extension defining first and second legs each defining a respective tang configured for coupling the latching extension to the distal-most keyway for assembling the components of the rotary closure together.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a case, a spool, a locking unit and a knob. The case includes a receiving space and a plurality of side teeth. The spool is disposed within the case, and the lace is wound therearound. The locking unit includes a ring body and at least one pawl arm. The ring body is optionally coupled to the spool and includes a blocking portion. The at least one pawl arm includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The second terminal is engaged with the side teeth in a loosening direction and is disengaged from the side teeth in a tightening direction. The second terminal includes an abutting portion abutted against the blocking portion in the loosening direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a shoelace threaded in a shoe includes a wheel bin having a receptacle on its top surface, a toothed ring inside the receptacle, and protrusions configured for coupling with mating orifices, a winding wheel having a central cylinder with protruding load ribs, a channel for storing shoelace and orifices through which the shoelace is threaded, a pawl ring with ratcheted ends that engage the toothed ring, a base including a curved surface and a receptacle having mating orifices for coupling with the protrusions of the wheel bin, a screw cap configured for placement on top of the wheel bin, the screw cap having a ring structure configured for coupling with the protruding load ribs of the winding wheel, wherein when the screw cap is rotated, the winding wheel tightens the shoelace and stores excess length of shoelace in the channel.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided. The fastening device is composed of a case, a spool, a knob and a locking unit. The case includes a mounted portion. The spool is disposed at the case and a lace is wound around the spool. The knob includes an engaged portion for engaging with the mounted portion such that the knob is coupled to the case. The locking unit is coupled to the knob and is driven by the knob. The locking unit is switched from a first position to a second position by rotating the knob relative to the case. When the locking unit is at the first position, the locking unit is coupled to the spool to prohibit the spool from rotating toward a loosening direction. When the locking unit is at the second position, the spool is allowed to be rotated toward the loosening direction.

Abstract: The shoelace knot retainer is configured for use with a shoelace. The shoelace knot retainer holds the shoelace in position after the shoelace has been tightened on the shoe. The shoelace knot retainer comprises a pedestal, a stanchion, and a sleeve. The pedestal is intermediate structure that transfers the load of the shoelace knot retainer to the surface of the shoe. The stanchion forms an anchor point around which the shoelace is wound. The shoelace is wound around the stanchion during the tightening process. The sleeve is an elastomeric structure. The stanchion and the shoelace insert into the sleeve such that the sleeve compresses around the shoelace thereby holding the shoelace in position. The stanchion is further formed with an accommodation that secures the tips of the shoelace to the stanchion.

Abstract: The present invention provides suture retention devices for retaining a suture on a bodily wall, e.g. for affixing the suture to the skin such as during the creation of an external percutaneous fluidic connection. In one embodiment, a device includes a base member and a swivel member. In another embodiment, the device includes a base member, first and second jaws, and a key. Operation of the swivel member or key serves to lock the suture to the device, and hence maintain tension on the suture while affixed to the skin.

Abstract: A fixation device for securing a linear element to a workpiece includes a contact component and a fixation component. The contact component typically includes (i) a first contact surface for application to a workpiece and (ii) a first opening for receiving a linear element. The fixation component typically secures a portion of the linear element on a side of the first contact component opposite the first contact surface. The fixation component engages the contact component to prevent passage of the linear element's secured portion through the workpiece when a tension is applied to the linear element in a direction opposite the contact surface.

Abstract: Lacing systems are disclosed for use with footwear or other articles. The lacing system can include flexible webbing lace guides. A lace guide can include a first lace guide element and a second lace guide element. The lace can pass through the first and second lace guides consecutively on the first side of the article before crossing to the opposing side of the article. The first and second lace guide elements can be angled towards each other to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide elements. The lace guide can have a central portion that is less flexible than the end portions so as to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide when tension is applied to the lace.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.

Abstract: A shoelace fastening system is provided having a first and second element that allow a user to tension shoelaces of a footwear article without tying the same, wherein the shoelaces remain in tension and are secured over the wearer's foot. The system includes a first member that is secured to the lowermost shoelace crossing at the throat line of the footwear article. This member is an arcuate structure that includes a plurality of apertures to accept the first crossing of the shoelaces, while also providing a location to secure the free ends of the shoelaces after being tensioned. A second, sliding member provides an apertured body member that accepts the shoelaces therethrough for tensioning the same over the footwear tongue. The sliding member secures the footwear to the wearer by operably applying tension to the shoelaces between the uppermost lacing eyelet and the arcuate member at throat of the footwear.

Abstract: A closure assembly that is infinitely adjustable within an operating range of the closure assembly and includes a vent port therethrough. The closure assembly includes a housing and an operator that rotationally cooperates with the housing. A flexible member is movably supported by the housing and cooperates with the operator so that manipulation of the operator alters the amount of the flexible member that extends beyond the housing. A biasing means cooperates with the operator and interacts with the housing to maintain a desired orientation of the operator, and thereby a desired orientation of the flexible member, relative to the housing to define a shape of a closure of the item of apparel. A vent port is formed through the housing and the operator and mitigates heat collection therebehind.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of assembling a reel includes coupling a drive component with a tightening component and coupling the tightening component with a top end of a housing. A spool component is then inserted within a bottom end of the housing so that the spool component is positioned within the housing's interior region and faces a bottom surface of the drive component. An attachment component is then coupled with the bottom end of the housing. The attachment component includes a coupling member that couples with the drive component. Coupling of the coupling member with the drive component operationally couples the drive component and the spool component so that operation of the tightening component causes the spool component to rotate within the housing in a first direction while preventing rotation of the spool component in a second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a shoelace includes a housing, a rotating cover, a reel part, and a restricting member. The housing includes a ratchet gear. The restricting member includes a repulsion restricting part which is provided between the rotating cover and the reel part and includes a ratchet coupling part protruding from an external circumference thereof to restrict a rotation in one direction by the ratchet gear, and a pressure coupling part which is slidably contacted and pressed by a rotation of the restricting projection in the other direction along a rotational radius and is repulsively deformed and selectively coupled to the coupling accommodation part.

Abstract: The invention is a device called Buckle-Lace for fastening and keeping fastened laces, ropes, strings and alike. The device includes a multiplicity of channels. Each channel has at least one resilient gate which is installed in a forward leaning diagonal direction with respect to the channel's direction. The resilient gates are installed in the channels by their rear ends while their front ends are unattached and free to move. The resilient gates have gaps between their front ends and the opposite walls of the channels. The laces pass through these gaps which are controlled by a locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is in closed position the gaps are narrowed such that the resilient gates are squeezing the laces in the channels and act as lace ratchets i.e. allowing the laces to move forwards when pulled but block lace motion backwards. The ratchet operation enables the user to fasten the laces and they remain fastened as long as the locking mechanism is in locked position.

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

Abstract: A device for connecting up two string ends, having a base element and at least one locking element which are hinged and can be click-fitted together. The base element has at least one opening for introducing the string ends and passing them through, and an insertion groove for each string end. Each insertion groove has a way, for example barb elements, for preventing the string end from sliding in said insertion groove. The locking element has a pressure part which is configured to cooperate with the respective insertion groove in such a manner that the string end is pressed into said insertion groove and remains pressed into said insertion groove after the base element and locking element have been click-fitted together.

Abstract: A shoelace fastening system is provided having a first and second element that allow a user to tension shoelaces of a footwear article without tying the same, wherein the shoelaces remain in tension and are secured over the wearer's foot. The system includes a first member that is secured to the lowermost shoelace crossing at the throat line of the footwear article. This member is an arcuate structure that includes a plurality of apertures to accept the first crossing of the shoelaces, while also providing a location to secure the free ends of the shoelaces after being tensioned. A second, sliding member provides an apertured body member that accepts the shoelaces therethrough for tensioning the same over the footwear tongue. The sliding member secures the footwear to the wearer by operably applying tension to the shoelaces between the uppermost lacing eyelet and the arcuate member at throat of the footwear.

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: A fastener assembly is provided including a fastener body having at least one aperture and a cavity formed at a top portion. A cap is provided configured to be removably inserted into the cavity. A method for fastening an article is provided including providing an article having holes in opposing edges of an article opening and a lace passed through said holes. At least one fastener body is provided having an attachment point, wherein the lace is secured to the attachment point, forming at least one slack portion. Each slack portion is pulled through a set of holes in the opposing edges of the article to form lace loop(s). Each lace loop is overlapped over the at least one fastener body.

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: An apparatus for fastening a shoelace comprises a housing which comprises a ratchet gear; a rotating cover; a reel part; and a restricting member.

Abstract: A string securing device includes a base having a central post extending centrally therefrom. A shaft extends through the passage in the central post so as to be connected to the cap mounted to the base by a bolt which extends through the cap from a top of the cap. A ring and a spool are located between the base and the cap, wherein the spool is rotated with the cap by engagement of first and second teeth on the spool and the cap respectively. The ring has multiple ratchet teeth which are removably engaged with third teeth on the cap so as to allow the cap to rotate in one direction. The ring includes flexible members which are deformed to lower the ring and provides straight and upward force to the cap.

Abstract: The Bow and Knot Eliminator is constructed of two pliable plastic tubings: one being the inner tubing having a curved slot followed with a straight slot to the end, with a U-shape cut-out at the opposite side; the other being an outer plastic tubing that slides over the inner tubing, has an ornament on it, and also a hold down arm. All this assembled to tighten rope, string, or shoe string.

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: Drawstrings or cords of clothing or non-clothing items such as carrying apparatuses are prevented from receding and being lost in the item by providing a flexible string covering apparatus through which strings or cords are passed. A central body region of a string covering apparatus is adorned with a team logo, company emblem, or the like, and aperture regions are arranged on opposite ends of the central body region in which to thread the string or cord. The thermoplastic composition material and the shape of apertures within the aperture regions prevent the string covering apparatus from sliding, allowing the user or maker of the string covering apparatus to display a desired image unobstructed by the string or cord.

Abstract: A shoelace fastening assembly includes a fastening device fixed on the tongue of a shoe and includes a main part which has a tubular member and a shoelace is wrapped on the tubular member. A knob is rotatably engaged with the main part and drives the tubular member to rotate in one direction. At least one intermediate member is fixed on the tongue and has a cruciform slot so that the shoelace is movably engaged with the cruciform slot. At least two hook members are respectively fixed on two flaps of the shoe and each hook member has an engaging groove with which the shoelace is movably engaged. The shoelace can be easily connected with the intermediate member and the hook members.

Abstract: A lace lock for releasably securing an end of a lace on an article. The lace lock may be mounted to the article and have least one channel for releasably securing a free end portion of the lace.

Abstract: A shoelace reel includes a support seat, a spool rotatably mounted in the support seat, a shoelace having two distal ends each secured to the winding zone of the spool, a limit sleeve mounted on the support seat, a drive member rotatably and movably mounted in the limit sleeve, and a control knob rotatably and movably mounted on the limit sleeve and connected to the drive member. Thus, the user only needs to rotate the control knob to tighten the shoelace and to pull out the control knob to loosen the shoelace. In addition, the user only needs to operate the control knob to tighten or loosen the shoelace, so that the user can tighten or loosen the shoelace by his one hand only.

Abstract: A device for blocking at least one strand of a lace or cord, including a hollow body, a blocking member, and a control member. A cavity of the hollow body defines a housing of the blocking member. The control member allows biasing the blocking member for a displacement in a direction for blocking or unblocking the strand. A reversible locking mechanism in a stable manner retains the control member in a position for unblocking the strand.

Abstract: A wrapping device for packages includes a tying member having two or more arms each having a longitudinal bore and an orifice perpendicular to and communicating with the bore, and a tying cord engaged into the bores and the orifices of the arms, to form two right angle bent portions, and to allow the tying cord to be solidly engaged and retained within the bores and the orifices of the arms. The arms each includes a longitudinal passage communicating with the bore and the orifice, and having a smaller width, to retain the tying cord within the bores of the arms. The arms each includes one or more catches or teeth to engage with and to catch and retain the tying cord within the bores of the arms.

Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring device for fastening laces which includes a structure having a supporting base and a pair of overlapping throat members which hold sections of the fastening lace. The bottom throat member forms a reel and includes retention ledges which retain a winding section of the lace that is wrapped about the reel. The upper throat member forms a reel having retention ledges which retain a winding section of the lace that may be wrapped about the reel.

Abstract: A device for securing and adjusting laces, including any types of cord or string, of a wide variety of articles. The device comprises a body, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter. The top surface and the bottom surface of the device may be separated by a constant or a variable depth. The body of the device is provided with at least two “lateral” apertures positioned laterally on opposite sides of a center on the body. The body is further provided with at least one “central” aperture positioned between the lateral apertures, and preferably near the center of the body.

Abstract: Shoe lacing kits, laced shoes, and methods of lacing shoes. First and second lacing elements are used to create lacing loops on the exterior of the shoe body. An end of each lacing element is anchored to the shoe body. The loops are threaded through a clasp. Pulling the loops in different directions draws the clasp toward the shoe, and tightens the lacing elements on the shoe. When the tightening force is released, one or more gripping elements in the clasp grip the lacing elements and hold the lacing elements in the tightened position. Releasing the gripping elements on the clasp releases the lacing elements from the tightened position such that the lacing elements can be loosened on the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for securing and adjusting laces, including any types of cord or string, of a wide variety of articles. The device comprises a body, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter. The top surface and the bottom surface of the device may be separated by a constant or a variable depth. The body of the device is provided with at least two “lateral” apertures positioned laterally on opposite sides of a center on the body. The body is further provided with at least one “central” aperture positioned between the lateral apertures, and preferably near the center of the body.

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 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.