Abstract: A footwear article for watersports comprising a sole, a vamp in connection with the sole and an upper fixed with the vamp and the sole. A lacing system disposed on the upper, the lacing system comprises a lace, a first set of anchor points and a second set of anchor points. Said lacing system is disposed on an outer side of the upper and configured such that the lace crosses over itself fewer than six times between anchor points in the closed configuration; and wherein at least one of the vamp and the upper comprises a textured surface, and an upper comprises a strap adapted to extend around at least the perimeter of the upper.

Abstract: A shoelace is provided, including: a core material, defining an axial direction; and a cover layer, sleeved on the core material and being at least partially slidable axially relative to the core material, including a plurality of first strands and a plurality of meshes woven by the plurality of first strands, the core material partially exposed outwardly from the plurality of meshes.

Abstract: A device for use in securing two or more laces on an article of clothing includes (a) a piece of flexible and elastic material having shear-resistive properties and an initial disk-like shape and (b) a hole formed in the material. When the laces are inserted through the hole a first time, wrapped together around a portion of the piece of material, inserted together through the hole a second time, and pulled tightly in opposite directions, the material deforms to (1) assume a self-herniated shape in which the material grips the laces and folds upon itself and the laces toward the hole, and (2) retain the self-herniated shape and secure the laces in place after pulling forces are removed from the laces.

Abstract: A lacing device includes a lace body, the lace body having a length, width, depth, and cross-sectional area spanning the width and the depth of the lace body, the cross-sectional area of the lace body shaped such that the lace body is prone to folding about a middle area of the width when the lace body is compressed.

Abstract: Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof can include a unitary or one-piece body having first and second ends configured and operative to be coupled together or to be coupled to their respective complement in another of said fastening devices. The first end can include a ring or annular portion and a projection that are sized and shaped to fit around an anchor and in an orifice, respectively, of the second end. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof according to embodiments may be used with items, including footwear, apparel, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, football or lacrosse shoulder pads, or the like.

Abstract: A lace including a stitched or printed center point indicator enables a user to visually locate the center point of the lace. The lace further having a pair of aglets affixed on the distal ends thereof.

Abstract: A dog shoe has a durable molded sole, a flexible fabric upper, elastic members that urge opposed edges of the shoe upper together to snuggly retain the shoe over the dog's paw, and a adjustable strap that employs a hook-and-loop fastener to retain a circumferential back section of the upper snuggly around the dog's lower leg.

Abstract: Specialized tape and tape-built articles help reduce problems such as load slippage, odd or varying load sizes, or the inconvenience of knots. A touch closure fastening means allows users to releasably fasten together different portions of the article. Example touch closure fastening means include hooks, mushroom heads, loops, a mat, or nanofibers. Some articles include a tape which is laned, striped, staggered, mottled, spiraled around a core, and/or braided; some include multiple tapes braided with one another. Some articles include suture material, polypropylene, nylon, or a para-aramid synthetic fiber in a tape substrate. Some articles include a grip strip to facilitate multigripping—not only does the article releasably fasten to itself, it also restricts movement of a load or other work piece. A grip strip and a tape can be spiraled or braided together. The grip strip has a mechanical indentation grip, or an adhesion grip, for example.

Abstract: A structure of a fastener is used in an article, such as a garment, a bag, and a shoe and includes a fastener. The fastener has a surface in which at least one hollow portion is formed. The hollow portion has a corner in which a narrow slot that is in communication with the hollow portion is formed. A string is received through the hollow portion and is, after subjected to length adjustment, pressed into the narrow slot so that narrow slot securely clamps the string. As such, the drawbacks and shortcomings of a conventionally used string buckle, such as structural instability, including slipping, vibrating, skewing, and loosening, being difficult to assemble, and having a high manufacturing cost, can be overcome. The fastener may additionally function as a rivet to be mounted to an article, such as a garment, a bag, and a shoe.

Abstract: A locking device for laces, shoelaces, cords and the like, including: a base configured to be fixed to a product including the lace to be locked and including at least one seat for passage of a lace to be locked; a lever including at least one element for pinching the lace in the passage seat, and at least one guiding seat for the lace; the lever being connected to the base, proximate to the passage seat, by a pivot, the pinching element engaging the passage seat so as to pinch thereat the lace to prevent its sliding in the passage seat, an end portion of the lace passing through the at least one guiding seat to be directed in a preselected reverse direction, which is defined by the at least one guiding seat, and vice versa.

Abstract: An adjustable shoestring includes an elastic shoestring body and a fastener coupled to the body. The body includes an elastic rope ribbon, a buckle hole, and engaging balls spaced equidistantly configured on the right side of the rope ribbon. The fastener includes a through hole allowing the right end of the body to be passed through, a buckle stub buckled with buckle hole and a slot engaged securely with the ball on the right of the ribbon; the through hole allows the balls on the ribbon to be passed through. Engaging balls may be configured on the left side of the rope ribbon optionally. The adjustable shoestring device can be properly adjusted depending on the size of a foot. The present invention has multiple safety designs, and the end portion of a longer shoestring may be cut off. The shoestring will not be treaded and a person wearing a shoe with the shoestring will not fall down.

Abstract: A lace-tying system with two components through which both sides of a lace are laced is disclosed. The first component can slide down the lace to tighten the article of footwear or up the lace to loosen the article of footwear. After the first component is pushed down to the article of footwear top to tighten the article of footwear, the second component is attached to the first component using a fastener, thus forming a double bow with the portions of the lace between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A shoelace holder that includes one or more patches of hook material that either is built into the upper portion of a shoe or releasably attaches to the upper portion of a shoe. The securing device provides function as well as decoration to the shoe surface. The securing device holds the shoelace against the shoe body thereby preventing a tripping hazard whether the shoelace is tied or not.

Abstract: The invention includes elastic shoe laces, as well as a means for fastening the shoe laces together after they've been laced into the footwear. In one preferred embodiment, an elastic shoe lace is provided, including a button on one end of the lace, and a slit or button hole on other end of the shoe lace. An additional ornamental element may be attached to the shoe lace, or in some embodiments, the button may act as both the fastener and the ornamental element.

Abstract: A shoelace securement device includes a first clasp including a female portion and a first flange having first inner and outer surfaces delineated by a first perimeter edge. A second clasp includes a second flange having second inner and outer surfaces delineated by a second perimeter edge and a male post extending from a proximal end near the second flange inner surface to a distal end remote from the second flange. The male post being configured for receipt through a shoe eyelet and within the female portion to selectively couple the first and second clasps. The female portion, the male post or both are configured to engage a shoelace strung through the shoe eyelet. A system for shoelace securement includes means for extending into a shoe eyelet, means for engaging a shoe exterior surface, means for insertion into the means for extending and means for engaging a shoe interior surface.

Abstract: A locking device for laces, shoelaces, cords and the like, including: a base configured to be fixed to a product including the lace to be locked and including at least one seat for passage of a lace to be locked; a lever including at least one element for pinching the lace in the passage seat, and at least one guiding seat for the lace; the lever being connected to the base, proximate to the passage seat, by a pivot, the pinching element engaging the passage seat so as to pinch thereat the lace to prevent its sliding in the passage seat, an end portion of the lace passing through the at least one guiding seat to be directed in a preselected reverse direction, which is defined by the at least one guiding seat, and vice versa.

Abstract: A binding assembly has a binding frame, a pulling tie and a tightening tie. The binding frame has a base, a pressing member, two tie fastening holders and two separating members. The tie fastening holders are connected pivotally to the base and each has a pulling tie hole and a tightening tie hole. Each separating member divides the corresponding tightening tie hole into a first hole segment and a second hole segment. The pulling tie is mounted through and compressed by the pressing member and has two ends mounted respectively through the pulling tie holes. The tightening tie has two ends mounted respectively through the first hole segments along a first direction, mounted respectively over the separating members and mounted respectively through the second hole segments along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Generally described, the present disclosure relates to footwear. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a shoelace protector and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the shoelace protector can include a fastening member, enclosure and upper section. The fastening member can be inserted into to an eyelet of a shoe to properly support the shoelace protector. The shoelace can be strung into the fastening member and through the enclosure. The enclosure can surround the shoe lace on an exterior portion of the shoe. The shoelace can then be placed through the upper section. The upper section can provide a narrow slit such that the shoelace can be fit therethrough. One or more shoelace protectors can be fitted into the eyelets of the shoe. The protectors can be positioned on the lower eyelets such that the bend created by the eyelet on the shoelace can be protected during use.

Abstract: A cinching and bundling tie consisting of a planar strap having multiple teeth along both edges that engage when the strap is tied around an object or objects. The tie is self engaging, re-usable, simple in design, effective in its performance, easy to use, quick to apply, and adjustable.

Abstract: A lace with two permanently attached protuberances or ferrules to control the distance the lace may move through a shoe's lacing system. The protuberances keep the lace symmetrically positioned between the left and right sides of the shoe's lacing flaps. This keeps the loose ends of the lace, also known as tying ends, which extend beyond the top of the shoe's lacing system, equal in length. The lace may be used on any laceable item in addition to shoes.

Abstract: A draw cord adjuster includes a closure member having a first end and a second end. At least one locking member is anchored to one of the first end and the second end of the closure member. At least one anchoring member is positioned proximate the one of the first end and the second end of the closure member to which a corresponding locking member is anchored, with each anchoring member being movably secured to the corresponding locking member.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for the attachment of an accessory to a drawstring including a barrel member having an axially disposed, female compression cavity formed in one end defining an annular end-face and a pair of diametrically disposed feed through holes. The feed through holes are positioned axially along the body so as to intersect the barrel cavity above its base and are sized to receive and allow a drawstring or the like to pass into the barrel, through the barrel cavity and exit the barrel. The apparatus includes a male compression member dimensioned to fit within and frictionally engage and mate with the female compression cavity of the barrel member, the male compression member having a compression tip projecting distally of the feedthrough holes relative to the cavity opening.

Abstract: In an article for locking an accessory to a physical structure using a separate locking device, and a combination thereof, the article includes an elongate flexible rope having its ends secured, in which the rope has a twist so as to form two separate loop openings. A stop is provided at the location of the twist; the stop having a central opening enclosing the twist. One of the first and second loop openings is configured to be drawn up through an opening of the accessory until the stop abuts an interior surface within the accessory. The drawn up one of the first and second loop openings extends outside the accessory for receiving the separate locking device there through to lock the accessory via said one of the first and second loop openings and locking device to the physical structure.

Abstract: Slip resistant cordage is presented including: a length of cordage; a knot keeper configured for providing a more secure knot tied in the length of cordage, the knot keeper including: a number of branches radiating from a portion of the length of cordage, and a number of branch keepers, where each of the number of branch keepers is disposed along each of the number of branches for use in retaining the number of branches with the length of cordage. In some embodiments, slip resistant cordage is presented where the number of branches includes: a flat tip, a rounded tip, a pointed tip, a hooked tip, a barbed tip, a bull-nose tip, a bull-nose barb tip, a rectangular tip, and a rectangular barb tip.

Abstract: Slip resistant cordage is presented including: a length of cordage; a knot keeper configured for providing a more secure knot tied in the length of cordage, the knot keeper including: a number of branches radiating from a portion of the length of cordage, and a number of branch keepers, where each of the number of branch keepers is disposed along each of the number of branches for use in retaining the number of branches with the length of cordage. In some embodiments, slip resistant cordage is presented where the number of branches includes: a flat tip, a rounded tip, a pointed tip, a hooked tip, a barbed tip, a bull-nose tip, a bull-nose barb tip, a rectangular tip, and a rectangular barb tip.

Abstract: Knot keepers for use with cordage, the knot keeper configured for securing a knot tied in the length of cordage are presented including: a trunk; and a number of branches radiating from the trunk, where the length of cordage is configured to receive the knot keeper along a cordage axis such that the trunk and a first portion of the number of branches is confined within the length of cordage, and where a second portion of the number of branches extends from the length of cordage. In some embodiments, the number of branches further includes a tip such as: a flat tip, a rounded tip, a pointed tip, a hooked tip, a barbed tip, a bull-nose tip, a bull-nose barb tip, a rectangular tip, and a rectangular barb tip.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe 10 including an upper 12, having lateral and medial sides, a midsole 14 joined to the upper 12, and an outsole 16 joined to the midsole 14. Shoe 10 is tightened around the wearer's foot using a lacing system 18 comprising a lace 20 and tightening mechanism 22. Lace 20 is threaded through shank 24 positioned under the arch and heel wrap 26 and attached at opposite ends to tightening mechanism 22. In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, lace 18 is tensioned to draw shank 24 upwards and towards the arch of the foot. In order to support the foot, shank 24 is comprised of a material having a strain rate lower than that of upper 12.

Abstract: An elastic shoelace includes a first end and a second end, an elongate elastic core, a sheath, and an elongate friction member. The elongate elastic core extends between the first and second ends of the elastic shoelace, and the sheath includes an outer surface and surrounds the elongate elastic core. The elongate friction member is disposed in the sheath, and at least a portion of the elongate friction member protrudes past the outer surface of the sheath.

Abstract: This invention primarily discusses the recent improvements to U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,944. The focus is on quick tightening/loosening of the lock that is formed between the ligature and the frame, managing the extra ligature length, decorating the system, improving performance and, extending the design to a wearable having structures similar to pants. In some applications a short ligature that passes underneath ligature loops and in others a donut-shaped object is used to solve tightening/loosening problems. Tucking the extra ligature length under an elastic strap or inside a slot formed within the frame manages the ligature. To enhance the performance of the system methods that reduce the friction between the ligature and the frame are discussed. Specifically, the use of back-to-back eyelet system, curved pathways between holes and, frictionless rollers are detailed. The invention discusses the used of a raised crisscross(s) as an additional method to enhance the performance.

Abstract: A combined fastening device to be used in elements designed for lacing, such as pieces of clothing, footwear, and similar items. The device includes a main frame substantially filiform with a first end, to which a clamping part is assembled and fixed, and a second ring-shaped end, which is fastened to the clamping part. The device provides users with the possibility to customize and decorate their footwear, and at the same time prevents the accidents and problems caused by conventional shoelaces, preserving the users' physical wellbeing.

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 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 shoe lace including a wired cord 3 fixed to a conventional end piece 5 at one end and a buckle or anchoring device 1 incorporating two holes 2 at the other. The lace is threaded across the shoe between two opposite eyelets only and fastened either by being twisted around the buckle 1 or by being threaded through the two holes 2 on the buckle 1, the number of laces used to tie the shoe being a matter of personal preference. Preferably the buckle 1 is made of a light plastic material but it can be made of metal or wood or any other suitable material or be of any shape or design.

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

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

Abstract: 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: An article for tightening together the ends of a lace includes a lace end receiving device having a pair of flexible, tubular members joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise retaining passage therein. The end of the lace is received within, looped through and held within the tubular members of the lace end receiving device. By employing two lace end receiving devices, one at each end of the lace, the devices may be tied together, whereby the lace is tightened without the lace itself touching.

Abstract: A shoelace fastening assembly for making it easier for the user to secure the laces and also to prevent the laces from becoming undone. The shoelace fastening assembly includes a pair of fastener assemblies each of which includes an elongate housing member being adapted to be securely attached along an edge of an instep portion of a footwear, and also includes a rail member being slidably disposed in the elongate housing member; and also includes a plurality of shoelaces each having a definite length and being adjustably and fastenably disposed in and through the elongate housing members; and further includes a plurality of stop members being spacedly disposed about and along lengths of the plurality of shoelaces for locking the shoelaces in the elongate housing members.

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: 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: 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: The invention provides laces, such as shoelaces, having affixed to them repeatedly collapsible and expandable aglets which can form 2- or 3-dimensional objects. The aglets can advantageously be passed through an eyelet thereby making it possible for them to be permanently affixed to laces during their manufacture. Thus, a user need not purchase a lace and aglets separately and attach them to each other after lacing an article such as a shoe.

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: 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 device for reducing stress on a grommet of a flexible covering including a stress distributing member with a recess formed in the outer surface thereof and a connecting loop mounted on the member at the recess and extending outwardly therefrom. The stress distributing member forms a bar for reducing stress on an end or side grommet or forms a semi-circular wedge for reducing stress on a corner grommet. The recess is sized for receipt of a grommet therein and presents a rounded surface at its perimeter to prevent the grommet from becoming pinched or collapsing. The loop receives the securing rope or other tie therethrough. The force on the loop is distributed by the bar or wedge over an extended portion of the flexible covering. A combination of bar and wedge stress distributing members form a system for reducing stress on the plurality of grommets within a flexible covering.

Abstract: The invention provides laces, such as shoelaces, having affixed to them repeatedly collapsible and expandable aglets which can form 2- or 3-dimensional objects. The aglets can advantageously be passed through an eyelet thereby making it possible for them to be permanently affixed to laces during their manufacture. Thus, a user need not purchase a lace and aglets separately and attach them to each other after lacing an article such as a shoe.

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: An article for the fastening of shoes having successive horizontal pairs of eyelets. includes an elongate, preferably elastic, cord having first and second ends, and substantially T-shaped elements or barbs secure each end of the cord. Each T-shaped element is proportioned for snap-fit passage through the eyelets of such shoes. One stop element is secured inwardly of each T-shaped element, and proximally to it, at each of end of the elongate cord. Each eyelet of the shoe is secured inwardly of one T-shaped element and outwardly of one stop element, and is in pressure contact with both. The elastic tension of the elongate cord, in combination with the above-described action of the T-shaped and stop elements relative to each eyelets, operates to fasten successive horizontal pairs of eyelets of a shoelace type shoe to effect the closure of the shoe.

Abstract: A slip resistant shoe lace is produced by weaving or braiding a plurality of standard yarns with special yarns. The special yarns have a special effect in the form of slubs or eccentricities at regular intervals or throughout the length of the yarn and when woven or braided along with the standard yarns produce protuberances along the length of the shoe lace for resisting untying of the lace.

Abstract: A soft, expanded shoelace is extruded from a PTFE paste. Its ends are permanently hardened by laterally compressing the lace, and terminations are installed on the ends.