Abstract: A shoelace pull tab device for facilitating and teaching lace tying. The shoelace pull tab comprises a small flat beadlike device having two spaced apertures therethrough which are tapered and angled. The lace end of a lace member is threaded up through a first aperture and down through a second aperture to create a gripping pull tab which will not slide/move its position at the newly created apex of the loop in the lace. The pull tab provides a grip or pull tab for children to manipulate the laces into a bow. Indicia on the pull tabs are used as action characters or objects in a story-telling teaching method for learning shoelace tying wherein the action characters or objects engage in activities directly related to the actions necessary for tying a shoelace.

Abstract: A cable clamp includes a housing having two substantially parallel and co-planar channels therethrough. At least one restraining member is disposed within the housing between the two channels, also substantially parallel and co-planar therewith. A surgical cable is passed through the first channel, around a bone or other structure, and through the second channel. The restraining member may then be actuated to impinge against the surgical wire or cable, simultaneously constraining the surgical wire or cable within both channels between the restraining member (an inner wall) and the housing (an outer wall). For example, the restraining member may be an expansion member that, when expanded as by driving a wedge between two restraining arms, reduces the size of the channels such that the surgical wire or cable can no longer pass freely therethrough.

Abstract: A structure for adjusting the tightness of a shoe comprises: a shoe, a shoelace, and a plurality of fixing hooks. A plurality of inserting holes is formed at both end of the U-shaped gap of the shoe for insertion of the shoelace. The shoelace is formed with a plurality of fixing holes, and the fixing hooks are to be hooked in the fixing holes. A method for adjusting the tightness of a shoe comprises: inserting the shoelace through the inserting holes at the starting section and the fishing section, adjusting the degree of tightness of the starting and finishing sections of the shoelace, and fixing the hook in any of the fixing holes at the mid section to obtain a comfortable tightness at the mid section of the shoe.

Abstract: A lace is provided for lacing various objects such as footwear, clothing, bags, etc. The lace comprises an elastic cord having end segments for tying a knot and a stabilizing member on one of the end segments. The stabilizing member is different from the bits of the lace adjacent thereto in the shape and/or material thereof and arranged so that it appears held in place in the knot when the knot is finished. Also provided is a method of forming a knot out of the lace. The method comprises forming a desired knot until the knot is ready to be firmly tied and then pulling the end segments of the elastic cord until the stabilizing members appear held in place in the knot, which is thus finished.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shoelace tightening device for making it easier for the wearer to tie shoelaces of shoelace-type shoes, including sports shoes. The shoelace tightening structure includes a tightening lace, a pair of locking devices, and a shoelace. The tightening lace is successively threaded upward at both ends thereof through first and second row loops arranged in parallel along eyelet lines defined at left and right vamps of a shoe. The locking devices are fixed at opposite side positions above the eyelet lines. Through the locking devices are inserted both the ends of the tightening lace, respectively. The shoelace is tied on the tightening lace as both ends thereof alternately pass through portions of the tightening lace between the respective first row loops, and portions of the tightening lace between the respective second row loops so as to crisscross each other.

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

Abstract: Enhanced lace tightening system including a plurality of apertures extending through the main body of a shoelace and smoothly finished end caps allowing unimpeded passage therethrough. A process includes a finishing step whereby end caps are generated without frayed edges to facilitate passage of the same through apertures to position appropriate aspects of the laces rapidly in a position from whence little tension loss occurs when properly disposed. Products by the process incorporate silicone, metallic elements, and related enhancements providing specifically improved shoelaces for any number of applications for a stated goal of drawing and fixing together two opposite edges.

Abstract: A game ball including a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to the laced region of the casing. The lacing has an exposed surface comprised of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile. The outer material has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 100 and 650 kg/cm2. At least a portion of the lacing can have an exposed pebbled surface.

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

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

Abstract: A heel for a shoe includes a first relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is walking while wearing a shoe having the heel and a second relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is dancing and wearing a shoe having the heel. A pair of shoes can have one or two such heels. Preferably, there is a lower-friction portion on the second relatively flat surface. The second relatively flat surface allows one to relatively easily spin while dancing, as compared to dancing with shoes having normal heels.

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

Abstract: The invention related to a shoe fastening device and methods for its use. The device comprises a double ended clip hook with a flattened, contoured c-shape hook at both its two ends. An elastomeric fastener is grasped at one hook end of the double ended clip hook which is inserted manually into one of a pair of eyelets over the tongue of the shoe and then the elastic is stretched to the second eyelet of the pair to be securely held by the other hook end. Identifying tags or decorations can be a part of the fastener to be used with children's shoes or to identify an elderly or infirm wearer. Shoes that may utilize the device of this invention include oxfords, walking shoes, sneakers, athletic shoes, and boots designed for lacing.

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

Abstract: An anchoring assembly on a footwear includes a stationary member, a pivotable member, a pivot unit, and a releasable fastener unit. The pivot unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members to permit pivoting movement of the pivotable member relative to the stationary member between a footwear tightening position and a footwear loosening position. The releasable fastener unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members for releasably retaining the pivotable member at the footwear tightening position. The releasable fastener unit includes a positioning member, a first fastener member mounted to the positioning member, a second fastener member provided on the pivotable member and fastened releasably to the first fastener member, and a resilient member for urging the first fastener member to engage releasably the second fastener member.

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

Abstract: A shoelace woven structure formed of threads that are equally divided into groups alternatively arranged in parallel around a circle and woven into a tubular shoelace in such a manner that each thread of the same group is extended internally over one thread of each of the other groups and twisted with a second thread of the same group and then extended internally over a second thread of each of the other groups and twisted with a third thread of the same group, and so on.

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

Abstract: A shoe body includes first and second eyelet tabs. The second eyelet tab includes a front portion proximate to a vamp, a rear portion proximate to a top shoe opening, and an intermediate eyelet-free portion therebetween. Each of the front and rear portions of the second eyelet tab is provided with at least one eyelet. A first fastener has a mounting section mounted securely on the intermediate eyelet-free portion of the second eyelet tab, and a fastener engaging section provided on the mounting section. A second fastener has a shoe lace stringing section formed with at least one eyelet, and a fastener engaging section extending from the shoe lace stringing section and capable of removable engagement with the fastener engaging section of the first fastener. A shoe lace unit is strung through the eyelets of the first and second eyelet tabs and the second fastener.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes a shoe lace, a clamp member, a decorative knot, and a pair of pull members. The shoe lace has a first lace segment adapted to be strung on the shoe, and a second lace segment that includes first and second lace portions. The lower ends of the lace portions are anchored on eyelet tabs of the shoe. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on the lace portions. Downward and upward movements of the clamp member along the lace portions result in tightening and loosening of the shoe. The lace portions are anchored on the clamp member to form a pair of loops. The knot is positioned on the clamp member, and has a pair of distal lace ends. Each of the pull members is mounted slidably on a respective one of the loops.

Abstract: A process for lacing shoes, for use with any shoe with lace-holes and any shoelace. The process results in shoelaces that follow a path that describes a double-helix, resulting in reduced friction and faster and easier tightening and loosening.

Abstract: A cordage for threading through an opening. An elastic cord is provided with an elongated shank component and at least one outwardly expandable component. When the cord is under tension, the expandable component shrinks to a diameter which is sufficient to enable its movement through an opening, such as an eyelet of a shoe. In response to the tension being released, the expandable component enlarges to a diameter which is sufficiently large to resist movement through the opening.

Abstract: In a device for activating a lace-up traction device for a shoe (1), comprising a slider (22) and a hingeably held tension lever (9) which can be pushed down when the shoe (1) is put on, said tension lever (9) in the pushed-down state being lockable to the slider (22) and being unlockable by pushing the slider (22) forward; said slider (22) comprising a guide (37) for a rocker (39), which rocker (39) elsewhere is guided in a further longitudinal guide (26) and which rocker (39) is pre-tensioned in the direction of hingeing forward and upward by means of a spring arrangement (7), a simple and clear design as well as good functional safety are achieved in that the guide (37) comprises two branches (37a, 37b) arranged at an angle in relation to each other;

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheath/core shoelace having enhanced knot retention and to the method of manufacture.

Abstract: A shoelace protection device includes a first part fixed on one flap of a shoe and a second part fixed on the other flap of the shoe. A first engaging member is connected to the first part and a second engaging member is connected to a second end of the second part. The first part is overlapped on the second part to cover shoelace therebeneath, and the first engaging member is engaged with the second engaging member.

Abstract: A fastening strap for sports shoes, particularly for in-line skates, comprising at least two elements made of materials having mutually different rigidities. This allows better adaptation to the outer shape of the shoe and eliminates pressure points, particularly on the bony regions of the leg.

Abstract: A decorative device adapted to be slideably attached to a shoelace at its lowermost, horizontally transverse portion as it engages the eyelets of a shoe includes a structure foldably adjustable between open and closed states. The structure has a window top portion, a middle portion having display material, and a securing bottom portion. In the close state, the top, middle and bottom portions are in overlying disposition, causing the display material to be visible through the window portion, and forming paired passageways for engaging the shoelace.

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

Abstract: A method is disclosed 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: Disclosed is a shoelace tightening device.

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

Abstract: A fastening strap for sports shoes, particularly for in-line skates, comprising at least two elements made of materials having mutually different rigidities. This allows better adaptation to the outer shape of the shoe and eliminates pressure points, particularly on the bony regions of the leg.

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

Abstract: Laces for shoes, sneakers, or other wearing apparel that adjust easily, but stay tied. In one embodiment, the novel design is a flat lace having an upper and lower surface made from different materials. The surfaces have a relatively low coefficient of friction with respect to a shoe's eyelets. Upon being tied, the surfaces have a high coefficient of friction when they are in contact with one another. An alternative design includes a brush-like array of tiny fibers protruding from the lace surface. Another embodiment consists of a middle portion having material properties different from its end portions. An alternative design has two sets of opposing sides with different material properties. The inventive designs minimize the possibility of laces coming untied.

Abstract: A means to secure a device or parts thereof to the flaps of an associated shoe is flexible, and comprises a plurality of flap attachments which can be fixedly or detachably secured to the flap(s) of a shoe. Each flap attachment is attached directly or via intermediate attachments to an elongate member which is securable to the device. Each intermediate attachment has two ends, one secured to the flap attachment and the other to the elongate member. The elongate member can be longitudinally extendable and retractable and can be made up of shorter segments connected to each other. The flap attachments are pivotably secured to one another in a linear sequence where at least one segment is attached directly or indirectly to the device. One type of flap attachment is permanently secured to the shoe by methods like adhesive bonding and fasteners. Another is detachable from the shoe and consists of three versions.

Abstract: A light reflecting tag for use on ends of a shoelace is made up of a transparent plastic plate, a light reflecting plate and a thin transparent film. The light reflecting plate has one side provided with faceful bead protrusions and the other side with adhesive glue. The side with bead protrusions is first adhered to an inner face of the transparent plastic plate and then the thin transparent film is stuck to the light reflecting on the side with adhesive glue and also to the inner face of the transparent plastic plate. Such an assembly produces a light reflecting tag plate which is then wrapped around ends of a shoelace, making a wearer of wearing a pair of shoes with shoelaces provided with light reflecting plates better protective from accidents when moving outdoors in the dark.

Abstract: A winding device includes a hand crank, a securing substrate plate, and two unidirectional gears pivotally coupled between the hand crank and the substrate plate by a pivot member. A pivot member is inserted, in one operation, through axial holes of pivot mounting portions of the hand crank and the securing substrate plate, and through a semicircular through holes of the unidirectional gears to pivotally couple the hand crank with the securing substrate plate and unidirectional gears. The pivot member includes two semi-circular pivot portions that are disposed parallel and opposite to each other. Each pivot portion is formed by curling and bending a plate into a semi-circular structure. The pivot portion includes a curved face and two curled portions disposed on an inner side of the curved face. The curled portions have end portions curling in opposite directions and abutting the inner side of the curved face at different points so as to increase the bending strength of the curved face.

Abstract: This shoe fastening device particularly for conventional shoes such as sneakers and similar footwear comprises a pair of track members each longitudinally secured to a flap of an associated shoe, and a pair of corresponding slidable members each located within a respective track member and laterally set apart at a predetermined distance. Since the fastening of most conventional shoes is effected by laterally directing together their parallel and opposing flaps, the present invention achieves this by laterally and fixedly setting apart the slidable members at a distance less than that between said track members when track members are secured to their respective flaps and when shoe is in a normal unfastened state, and subsequently slidably positioning them within their respective tracks, and directing them along a path parallel to the longitudinal median of shoe. As a consequence the track members experience lateral forces directing them towards each other.

Abstract: A system for securing a shoe, of the type having an upper part with a pair of opposed edges with eyelets which are drawn together in securing the shoe, onto the foot of a wearer is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises an elastic shoelace having a pair of ends, each end having an elongated, covering of an elastomeric material, and a dual cord fastener adapted to allow shoelace ends to pass there through and to lock two prescribed points on the length of the shoelace from moving relative to the fastener.

Abstract: A sports boot that includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole, the upper including a first series of return elements distributed across from each other in the frontal portion of the upper, and a second series of return elements distributed across from each other in the ascending portion of the upper, the boot including a lace that has a first portion that cooperates with the first series of return elements and two second end portions that cooperate with the second series of return elements. The first portion has a smaller section than the section of the two second end portions. The invention is also related to the lace for tightening such a boot. A fundamental objective is to provide a satisfactory solution to the problem encountered in tightening a snowboarding boot with an ascending upper.

Abstract: An improved shoelace having two tying sections with an elongated stringing section disposed therebetween. Each tying section has a larger diameter and lower density than the elongated stringing section so as to permit the stringing section to smoothly run through a plurality of string through holes of a shoe with less friction against the rims of the through holes in use, resulting in the advancement of durability of a shoelace in one aspect and the facility of tying of a shoelace into a butterfly knot in another aspect.

Abstract: An untied shoelace warning system with first and second conductive shoelace segments coupled to an indicator that activates when the shoelace segments do not touch, and does not activate when the shoelace segments do touch. The first and second conductive shoelace segments and the indicator are coupled to a battery and a switch. The switch activates the indicator when the shoelace segments are not touching, and does not activate the indicator when the shoelace segments are touching. The untied shoelace warning system further includes a pressure sensor so that when the pressure sensor does not sense pressure and the first and second conductive shoelace segments coupled to an indicator are not touching, the indicator does not activate. The untied shoelace warning system does not activate the indicator when the shoe that is tied with the first and second shoelace segments is not being worn. The indicator may be a sound device, e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer, a light or a series of lights, e.g.

Abstract: Method of making an anti-slip lace for tying wearing apparel items such as shoes comprises an elongated woven tubular member that has internal spaced raised projections along its length wherein the raised projections are blobs of acrylic paint and a round lace is formed by inverting a flat woven tubular lace that had the paint blobs applied to the exterior surface.

Abstract: A shoe fastening device designed to replace the laces of a shoe, made up of an eyelet member and an insert member, both being attachable to the eyelet tabs of a shoe using locking nylon cable ties. The eyelet member further has a slotted aperture for receiving a foldable insert tab of the insert member. Hook-and-loop-type fastening material is present along the upper surface of the insert member, whereby the insert tab may be inserted through the eyelet member and then folded upon itself, thereby allowing the shoe to be removably fastened without the complication of shoelaces.

Abstract: A shoe securement apparatus for a shoe employing a lace having opposite ends to interconnect two sides of the shoe. The apparatus includes a fastener plug attached to each of the opposite ends of the lace, a guide formed on each side of the shoe for engaging and directing the lace and a channel formed on each side of the shoe for receiving one end of the lace and its fastener plug. The fastener plug is forcibly engageable with the channel to secure the lace in the channel with the fastener plug being formed of a soft, flexible material such as a polymer. In one embodiment of the invention, the guide in an inclined groove and in another embodiment of the invention the guide is a knob with a curved wall which engages the lace. In yet another embodiment of the invention the lace is formed of a soft, flexible material such as a polymer.

Abstract: After purchase of a footwear article of manufacture, such as a sneaker, boot or the like, the substitution for the traditional lacing-up of the article of studs and closed loops of elastomeric construction material to facilitate the fitting on and removal of the article from a user's foot. The application of the studs and loops uses to advantage the original equipment manufacture (OEM) structural features to contribute to use on a wide range of footwear.

Abstract: This invention provides a binding for facilitating tying a bow, comprising a binding having two end portions wherein a multiplicity of hook-shaped filaments are positioned on a first region of each end portion; and a second region of each end portion is adapted for adhering to the hook-shaped filaments positioned on the same end portion so as to form a loop at each end portion.

Abstract: A knot securing device of particular benefit in securing shoelace knots made from a flexible material with a region having hook elements, a region having loop elements and a pair of apertures in the flexible material for allowing the open ends of a shoelace to pass through from one surface of the material to the opposite surface of the material, wherein the shoelace is then tied in a knot and the regions with the hook and loop elements are brought into contact to form a secure, but releasable, lock around the knot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a heel, a sole and an upper portion adapted to cover the foot. The upper portion includes a tongue and spaced-apart right and left side portions overlying the tongue. The right and left side portions each respectively define confronting right and left edges. A plurality of hooks are spaced along each of the right and left edges, each of the hooks including an open end facing outwardly from the adjacent confronting edge. A plurality of resilient loops extend from each of the right and left side portions. The resilient loops extending from the right side portion are positioned to engage the hooks spaced along the left edge and the resilient loops extending from the left side portion are positioned to engage the hooks spaced along the right edge.

Abstract: A bi-colored teaching and fashion shoelace is provided for assisting children and handicapped persons with all the difficult tasks associated with the wearing of footwear having laces. The teaching shoelace is provided with opposite end sections which are fabricated from differently colored fabrics which can be readily distinguished by children and the handicapped. The opposite end sections of the shoelace are interconnected by various fastening memos to permit the interchange of any number of differently colored end sections. The use of contrasting bright colors or patterns enables the instructor to create simple instructions based upon the dissimilar color characteristics of the training shoelace. By repetition the child or student learns to recognize characteristic color patterns when the shoe is properly laced and subsequently when a bow knot is properly formed.