Abstract: A shoe lace accessory includes a shoe lace coupling assembly configured to maintain a proximal end and a distal end of an existing shoe lace at a substantially stable position. Such a shoe lace coupling assembly includes a hollow tube having an elongated rectilinear shape provided with an open proximal end and an open distal end axially opposed therefrom, a first fastener detachably engaged with the open proximal end of the hollow tube as well as the proximal end of the existing shoe lace, and a second fastener detachably engaged with the open distal end of the hollow tube as well as the distal end of the existing shoe lace. The first fastener, the second fastener, the proximal end, and the distal end of the existing shoe lace remains located within the open proximal end and the open distal end of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting two loose shoelace ends, or for connecting two loose lace or cord ends in any lacing situation. A specific lace or cord orientation is used along with a heat-shrinkable tubular connector in order to easily and securely connect the two ends of the laces or other such cords.

Abstract: The invention relates to the joining together of laces and laces with detachable applications and, in particular, to lace systems (100) for exchanging laces, joining parts especially suitable for this purpose and the attachment of applications to such an exchangeable lace. Such a lace system allows guided laces to be exchanged and comprises a device (110) with a lace guide (112), wherein the device is at least part of a shoe (182), a garment (184), a rucksack (186) or a bag (188). Furthermore, such a lace system comprises a first lace (120), which is guided in the lace guide and has a joining part (122), and a second lace (140), which has a joining part (142), wherein the first and second laces can be joined by means of the joining parts and the joining parts have a diameter that is not substantially any greater than the diameter of the first lace or the lace guide, such that the laces joined by means of the joining parts can be pulled through the lace guide together with the joined joining parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and of a method of preserving and protecting tassels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tassel protector accommodating at least one tassel, particularly when undergoing high wear operations, such as, but not limited to, machine laundry. The invention is concerned with an apparatus to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the tassel by placing and holding a plurality of component strands of decorative tassels into their original conditions during high wear operations.

Abstract: A kit including (a) an article having a plurality of pairs of opposing eyelets, including a first pair of opposing eyelets near a top of the article and a second pair of opposing eyelets disposed beneath the first pair of opposing eyelets; (b) a first lace that is threadable through respective eyelets of the first pair of opposing eyelets and fixable at insides of the eyelets, said first lace having (i) a first elastic body; and (ii) one of a stop or openable stop on one end of the first body; and (iii) an openable stop on an opposite end of the first body; and (c) a second lace that is threadable through respective eyelets of the second pair of opposing eyelets and fixable at insides of the eyelets, said second lace having (i) a second elastic body; and (ii) one of a stop or openable stop on one end of the second body; and (iii) an openable stop on an opposite end of the second body; and wherein at least the openable stop on the opposite end of the first body can interlock with the openable stop on the oppos

Abstract: An elastomeric fastener is configured for securing various articles. The elastomeric fasteners include one or more locking mechanisms. In various embodiments, the elastomeric fasteners are configured to secure an article of clothing, such as a shoe. The elastomeric fasteners may be used in combination to form an image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved shoe lace comprised of a plurality of bendable support elements permanently held within a limp material at each of the two end tips by a sleeve, whereby the lace enables children, and persons with physical disabilities, to more easily tie their shoes, as well as staying tied while wearing the improved shoe laces.

Abstract: Packaging tie-downs configured to retain objects secured with a retention strap in association with packaging material.

Abstract: A system for securing a shoe on the foot of a wearer, the shoe having an upper part with a pair of opposed edges with eyelets which are drawn together in securing the shoe on the foot, the system comprising; an elastic shoelace (10) having a pair of ends, each end having an elongated, covering of material with one end having a hook (11) and the other end having an eye (12) whereby the hook and eye system adapted to allow shoelace ends to fasten. The present invention will eliminate dangling shoelace ends that otherwise create a safety issue for the wearer and will result in an aesthetically pleasing product.

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 present invention relates to an ornamental shoelace accessory for decorating shoes and sneakers Ornaments and charms can be securely and removably attached to the shoelace tip while has been adapted to receive the removable and interchangeable charms and ornaments. The accessory device of the present invention enables the removable and interchangeable charms to be also added to a standard shoelace.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole connected to an upper having a toe portion, a heel portion, a foot insertion opening and a tongue which defines two, opposed sides of the upper extending between the heel and toe portions. One end of each of a number of straps is fixed to one side of the upper, and the free end of each strap is formed with a tab having a unique indicia such as a different shape, number and/or color. A series of patches are mounted to the other side of the upper, opposite the straps, and each patch includes a matching indicia corresponding to one of the tabs on the straps. The tabs and patches have cooperating hook and loop fastening material or other fasteners to connect them together and secure the straps on the article of footwear.

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 material is used to form a stop at the end of a lashing string. The material is made of a plastic material and takes the form of a long strap, which is rolled up and is provided in two long sides with a plurality of ridges and grooves. The ridges and the grooves are alternately arranged to form a plurality of lashing portions, with each being adhered to the end of the lashing string to form the stop serving to prevent the lashing string from slipping out of a string hole of the paper bag and the like.