Abstract: Lacing systems can be used for tightening a shoe or other article. Some embodiments include a lace guide that includes a lace channel that is disposed below a portion of the shoe such that the lace channel is hidden from view, and an exposed end piece that is positioned on the exterior of the article such that the end piece is visible during use. The end piece can be generally bell-shaped and can provide a curved sliding surface for a lace to slide on when being tightened or loosened.

Abstract: A securing assembly adapted for promoting a more secure relationship through active material actuation, facilitating lashing, attenuating tension, reducing slack, and/or facilitating unlashing, include selectively or passively modified lashing material and/or eyelets comprising active material elements.

Abstract: A button fastener made of metal for fastening a button such as a male snap button or a decorative button to a cloth, includes a plate-like base and a cylindrical post projecting from a center area of the base. The upper end face of the post is open as a top opening, and the lower end face of the post is open in the center area of the base as a bottom opening. To the button fastener, a closing member which closes the inside of the post at a proximal side thereof is provided. The closing member is a closing part which has been cut out, by a punch, of an unfinished post of a semifinished product which is fabricated to the button fastener and then displaced by the punch through the inside of the unfinished post toward the lower end.

Abstract: A device wherein an elastic cord is attached to a pre-existing flexible linear structure such as a wire, tube or non-elastic cordage in order to deform the structure and impart elastic handling properties of a common curly cord. The resulting assembly is a foreshortened version of the linear structure that is axially elastic and therefore easier to handle, store and use. The preferred method involves creating attachments between one or more stretched elastic cords and a linear structure at close intervals along the structure, such that when the elastic is allowed to retract, it pulls the linear structure into a series of loops or bends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ringless eyelet (10?) comprising a plate (11) arranged on the display side (23) of the carrier strip (20), and a tube-shaped collar penetrating the hole in the carrier strip. The hem of the collar of the eyelet element (10?) is supported on the rear side (24) of the carrier strip (20). The aim of the invention is to connect the eyelet to the carrier strip (20) faster and in a more cost-effective manner. In order to achieve this, the free end part of the collar of the eyelet element (10?) is provided with projections (16). An essentially closed ring profile (50), into which the collar projections (16) are integrated, is created when the collar is hemmed. After hemming, pressure points (40) are created on the carrier strip (20) between the collar projections (16) and the abutment surfaces (49) formed by the plate (11), said pressure points reliably holding the carrier strip (20). Said carrier strip (20) extends namely inside (51) the ring profile (50) beyond the pressure points (40).

Abstract: A wedging device for a tightening system adapted to equip a clothing article, and in particular a footwear. This wedging device enables an easy loosening of the tightening linkage that passes through said device. To achieve this result, the wedging device includes a main body including the functions of sliding and blocking the tightening linkage, and a rigid tongue which extends the main body and extends substantially in the direction of the wedging slit toward the sliding opening.