Abstract: An article of footwear including a 360° lacing system configured to secure the footwear to a wearer's foot. The lacing system includes an elongated lace that extends rearward adjacent an ankle collar, around a heel of the footwear, and forward again. The lacing system includes one or more fairleads that project outwardly from the ankle collar. The fairleads define fairlead holes through which the lace is extends. The lace is slidable relative to the holes, and thus the fairleads, and can be removed from and replaced relative to the fairleads with minimal effort. A related method of utilizing the article of footwear is also provided.

Abstract: The folding clasp for an interchangeable watch strap comprises at least two arms articulated together and foldable against each other, provided with a fixing device to hold the clasp in closed position. The free end of one (1) of the arms (1, 3) is provided with a securement device for the end of a strap tongue (11) comprising a guide (8) having in cross-section a general U shape, an axle (9) connecting the two lateral wings of the guide (8) and holding members (10) adapted to coact with the upper surface of the tongue (11) of the strap. The free end of the other arm (3) of the clasp is pivoted on a cover (14) with the help of a screw (12), this cover (14) having lateral portions (13) interconnected by an axle (15). The cover (14) of the clasp comprises retaining members (16) adapted to coact with the upper surface of a second tongue (17) of the strap.

Abstract: Unfolding clasp (1) for a bracelet (4), comprising two lateral, articulated plates (10) with a central plate (11) so as to be able to ensure the opening of the bracelet. The plates (10, 11) are made of a flexible material able to adopt the shape of the wrist of the wearer of the bracelet. The deformation of the plates caused by a force applied perpendicular to the plane (x, z) containing the plates is greater than the deformation of the plates caused by an identical force applied in any other direction. The plates are made of a composite material, for example including a metallic reinforcement (100, 110) covered by a flexible material (101, 111) such as caoutchouc, plastic or leather.

Abstract: A lacing aid which assists in lacing two elements tightly together comprises a first open portion that is easily threaded and engages a lace with reduced friction, and a second portion for frictional restraint of the threaded lace. Such lacing aids of the invention may be formed by bending smooth and stiff but resilient wire to form a first portion providing an opening larger than a lace with smooth inner walls, permitting the lace to slip easily when it is being tightened, and a second lace-restraining portion formed adjacent to the first portion to which a tightened lace may be easily slipped and engaged.

Abstract: The folding fastener for closing a strap contains a lockable, two-part folding clasp. A first strap half (7) is fixed to a first clasp part (1) and a second strap half (9) to a closure cover (5). A second clasp part (2) connects in rotary manner the first clasp part (1) to the closure cover (5). The clasp parts (1, 2) are substantially rigid with respect to longitudinal extension and/or bending. The locking mechanism comprises two claws (4.1, 4.2), which are fixed to the second clasp part (2) and two corresponding shapes (1.1, 1.2) on the first clasp part (1). In the locked state the claws (4.1, 4.2) engage over the shapes (1.1, 1.2) and consequently form the positive, reversible connection between the first clasp part (1) and the second clasp part (2). The folding fastener combines security with esthetics and requires no soldered joints.

Abstract: A miniature pouch device which is removably attachable to the instep of a shoe for captivating the lace and bow used to tie the shoe, and retain them in a neat small package which sits in the location where the bow would normally reside on a conventional pair of shoes.