Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-22
2001-02-13
Wu, Daniel J. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S686100, C340S691100, C340S573100, C036S136000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06188324
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a shoelace warning system, particularly one that warns when shoelaces are untied.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Walking in shoes with untied shoelaces can be a dangerous activity. Many injuries per year are inflicted on people that, while walking in shoes with untied laces, stepped on the laces, and thereby tripped and/or fell. Resulting injuries range from small cuts or bruises to broken bones or even a head injury.
Another problem with untied shoelaces is that stepping on them damages the lace ends. This occurs even if stumbling, falling, or injury does not result. This allows the lace to unravel which causes it to ruin, especially if the lace falls back from the last eyelet in the shoe. Re-inserting the lace end through the eyelet may not be possible.
Shoelaces are laced into shoes of all kinds and styles. No matter what the kind or style, however, shoelaces often come untied. Few people notice an untied shoelace until injury or damage to the lace has occurred.
Untied shoelaces are particularly prevalent with young children and their shoes. A young child may be between five and eight years old before they may effectively tie their shoelaces. Double-knotting shoelaces and shoes with hook-and-loop fasteners are employed to remedy the young child's lack of ability. Yet, even double-knotted shoelaces come untied, and a young one that can only tie shoelaces ineffectively, can expect the shoelaces to be untied again later.
The young child rarely notices an untied lace and even if he or she does, usually cannot tie the shoelace him- or her-self. Unaware of the problems and dangers of untied shoelaces, the child never asks an adult for assistance. Injury to the child or ruin to the shoelace is likely to occur.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that an improved untied shoelace warning system.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the untied shoelace warning system can be mounted in a housing, coupled to the front of the shoe.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the untied shoelace warning system can include a second sensor so that when a shoelace segment is not engaged with the system, the indicator does not activate.
The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a battery; an indicator; and a sensor configured to sense a shoelace and configured to activate said indicator by coupling said indicator to said battery, when a shoelace is not sensed by said sensor.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3898641 (1975-08-01), Banner
patent: 5357696 (1994-10-01), Gray et al.
patent: 5373651 (1994-12-01), Wood
patent: 5430621 (1995-07-01), Raskas
patent: 5566479 (1996-10-01), Gray et al.
patent: 5718021 (1998-02-01), Tatum
patent: 5765300 (1998-06-01), Kianka
patent: 5778499 (1998-07-01), Lehrman
patent: 5936538 (1999-08-01), Meschkow et al.
Meschkow Jordan M.
Meschkow Sasha H.
Gresham Lowell W.
Meschkow Jordan M.
Meschkow & Gresham P.L.C.
Nguyen Phung
Wu Daniel J.
LandOfFree
Shoelace warning system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Shoelace warning system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Shoelace warning system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2578836