Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Drawstring – laced-fastener – or separate essential... – Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-23
2001-02-27
Sakran, Victor N. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential...
Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing
C024S712200, C024S712900, C024S128000, C024S130000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192559
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to fastening or locking devices for shoelaces, and more particularly, to a shoelace fastening apparatus for quickly fastening and releasing the two ends of a shoelace without the necessity of tying a knot with the ends.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is well known that shoelaces require tying and untying the two ends thereof at every use, and many times the laces come undone prematurely which, of course, is not desired. Also, tying of shoelaces is difficult or impossible for some wearers. For example, parents may be required to spend time and exertion tying young children's laces. Once tied, children may play with the knot, step on a lace end, or otherwise cause the laces to work free through normal walking. For children and adults, laces which come undone prematurely represent at best more work to retie and at worst an opportunity for a tripping accident. Also, persons with problems with manual dexterity, such as arthritis sufferers, may find tying shoelaces to be difficult if not impossible. The present invention solves these problems by providing a shoelace fastening device which users can operate with much less effort, dexterity and time than is necessary for tying laces and which eliminates the possibility of premature unfastening.
A variety of devices have been developed for locking shoelaces without requiring the tying thereof. For the most part, these devices are overly complicated such that they are not practical and can necessitate a portion of the apparatus be physically attached to the shoe, thus either requiring that the device be made an integral part of the shoe originally or requiring a permanent modification of the shoe subsequently. The present invention does not require any changes to the shoe itself, but is quickly and easily attached and detached only from the shoelaces. Thus it is applicable to all laced shoes currently in the stream of commerce and easily transferable between pairs of shoes.
A problem with previous quick-release shoelace locks is that they may accidentally become disengaged relatively easily. As with tied laces, if a locking device is too easy to release, young children may take them off when it is desired that they not do so. The present invention solves this problem by providing a locking mechanism which guards against unwanted manipulation by children. This child-proof feature should provide a boon to parents who probably already have their hands full in dealing with young children without being concerned about keeping their shoes on.
Another problem with previous quick-release shoelace locks is that those that are not integral with the shoe may easily come entirely separated from the shoe when not in use. This invention solves that problem by providing a method of attachment to one end of the lace that does not release when the device is not in use, and therefore prevents the unintended separation of the device from the shoe. At the same time, complete separation is possible if desired.
Finally, an optional extension further assists in the manipulation of the device by handicapped users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a device for fastening and locking shoelaces. Different embodiments are described herein, but all primarily utilize on the tension inherent in a stretched shoelace to hold the apparatus in its engaged position and secondarily utilize mechanically interlocking components to resist tampering.
The invention may be described as an apparatus for connecting ends of a shoelace comprising a body adapted for attachment to a first end of the shoelace and a cup adapted for receiving a knot tied in the second end of the shoelace such that tension in the shoelace tends to hold the knot in the cup. The body defines a laterally opening locking passage therein adapted for receiving a second end of the shoelace. The body further preferably defines a retaining passage therein adapted for receiving the first end of the shoelace therethrough. A knot tied in the first end of the shoelace is prevented from passing through the retaining opening because of the size thereof.
The body may have a protrusion thereon adjacent to the locking passageway for reducing a portion of the locking passage in size and thereby providing resistance to movement of the second end of the shoelace therethrough.
In a first embodiment, the cup is integrally formed with the body and disposed at an end of the locking passage. Normally, when in a locking position, the knot tied in the second end of the shoelace engages a shoulder in the cup. Alternatively, the apparatus may further comprise a lock adapted for attachment to the second end of the shoelace and positionable in the cup. The lock has a locking position substantially preventing inadvertent removal thereof from the cup. As illustrated herein, the body further comprises a lock retainer in the cup, and the lock has a notch thereon. Longitudinal movement of the lock in the cup is possible when the notch is aligned with the lock retainer, and longitudinal movement of the lock in the cup is substantially prevented when the lock is rotated with respect to the body to the locking position. The notch and lock retainer are substantially flat. The lock preferably has a knurled edge thereon.
In a second embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an extension separable from the body and positionable in a locking position adjacent to an end of the locking passage in the body. The cup is integrally formed with the extension. The body defines a recess at an end of the locking passage, and a portion of the extension extends into the recess when in the locking position. Lateral movement of the extension is prevented when the extension is in the engaged position.
The first embodiment of the invention may also be described as an apparatus for connecting ends of a shoelace comprising a body adapted for attachment to a first end of the shoelace and defining a locking passage therein adapted for laterally receiving a second end of the shoelace, and a lock adapted for attachment to the second end of the shoelace and positionable in a locked position in the locking passage. The locking passage comprises a cup in which the lock is positioned when the lock is in the locked position. The locking opening also has an elongated portion extending from the cup. The cup and elongated portion of the locking passage are in communication with a laterally opening slot defined in the body.
The first embodiment of the shoelace locking apparatus of the present invention may also be described as comprising a body defining a first opening therein for longitudinally receiving a first end of the shoelace therethrough, a second opening for receiving a second end of the shoelace therein, and a laterally opening slot in communication with a second opening. The second opening has an elongated portion and an enlarged portion with the enlarged portion being adapted for receiving a knot tied in the second end of the shoelace. The second end of the shoelace may be moved laterally through the slot into the second opening such that the knot tied in the second end of the shoelace may be subsequently moved longitudinally into the enlarged portion of the second opening. This slot is sized such that lateral movement of the knot therethrough is prevented.
The second embodiment of the shoelace locking apparatus may be described as comprising a body and an extension. The body defines a first opening therein for longitudinally receiving a first end of a shoelace therethrough, a second opening for receiving a second end of the shoelace therein, a recess in communication with an end of the second opening, and a laterally opening slot in communication with the second opening and recess such that the second end of the shoelace may be moved laterally through the slot. The extension is adapted for receiving the second end of the shoelace therethrough and has an enlarged portion for receiving a knot tied in the second end of the shoelace. The extension has a portion adapte
McAfee & Taft
Sakran Victor N.
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