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 tarpaulin rod securing device for use with a vehicle having an open area covered by a tarpaulin, the device comprising a first member having a recess formed therein with an access opening to the recess, and a second movable member which is movable between first and second positions, the second movable member permitting a rod to enter the recess while preventing withdrawal thereof.

Abstract: A fastener for cords includes a support body, a first flexible lever arm and a second flexible lever arm. The support body has an insertion device to guide a cord onto a main surface thereof. The first flexible lever arm is provided on the main surface of the support body and has a free jaw end. The first flexible lever arm has a cord guide to guide the cord from the insertion device of the support body to the free jaw end of the first lever arm. The second flexible lever arm is also provided on the main surface of the support body. The second flexible lever arm has a free jaw end opposing the free jaw end of the first flexible lever arm with a cord path being defined between the free jaw ends of the first and second flexible lever arms, the cord path having a width that is variable with flexing of the first lever arm. The second flexible lever arm has a retentive hooking tooth provided at a tip of the free jaw end thereof.

Abstract: A sport boot, especially adapted to an in-line roller skate and having an external sole overlaid by an upper including two quarters demarcating an opening which are adapted to be connected to one another by a tightening lace, along a path determined as a function of the position of return elements or guides arranged on both sides of the quarters, wherein each of the return elements or guides is constituted of a base having a flat bottom adapted to be fixed on the edge of one of the quarters of the boot, having a sliding plane, at its substantially horizontal and constant upper portion, beneath which an element is provided for passage of the lace, so as to protect the lace from any external attack.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for securing foot apparel to a user's foot. The latching mechanism comprises a first connecting member, a second connecting member, wherein the first connecting member is capable of mating, or interlocking, with the second connecting member. The first connecting member includes a receiving head having an aperture, and an arm, wherein the arm is adjacent the receiving head and the second connecting member includes a locking tongue and an arm, wherein the arm is adjacent the locking tongue. In some preferred embodiments, the first connecting member and second connecting member include a fastener element. The arm of the first connecting member and the arm of the second connecting member further includes an aperture that is capable of receiving a securing mechanism. Some preferred embodiments of the instant invention also include a button element having a stem, wherein the aperture of the receiving head of the first connecting element is capable of receiving the stem of the button.