Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Drawstring – laced-fastener – or separate essential... – Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-21
2001-01-30
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential...
Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing
C024S11500R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178606
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to shoes and, more specifically, to a device which is placed on the shoe which will prevent the shoelaces from untying and unthreading. The device is comprised of an outer cylindrical member having a plurality of oppositely opposed apertures in the wall and a second cylindrical member having an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the outer member. The inside cylindrical member also has a plurality of oppositely opposed apertures in the wall. The inner cylindrical member is under constant spring pressure toward the open end of the outer member. After the shoelaces are threaded through the shoelace eyelets the device is positioned for use. The inner member is depressed until its apertures are in alignment with the outer member the end of the shoelace is then passed through both members. When both end of the shoelace have been passed through the device the inner member is release and the shoelaces are held by the spring pressure between the two cylindrical members.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The normal method of securing shoelaces by creating a double knot does not insure that the shoelaces will not become untied. But does work well in many instances, often too well. In sporting events there is an increased force placed on the shoelaces which can create a knot which is extremely difficult to undo. This can prove to be especially difficult when dealing with small children.
In sporting events and active children the single knot invariably comes untied. Therefore it is felt that a need exists for a device which will grip the shoelaces in a selective position and maintain said position even in active play. It is also felt that such a device should be easy to use.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention discloser a device for securing the shoelaces on shoes. The device comprises an outer cylinder being open on one end having apertures positioned in the longitudinal walls thereof for an inner member. The inner member is also cylindrically shaped having apertures passing therethrough with a head on one end. The apparatus functions by postioning the inner member on the inside of the outer cylinder whereby the apparatus are aligned and thereafter threading the shoelace through the aperture of the outer cylinder and the inner member. Thereafter a spring placed longitudinally in the bottom of the outer cylinder communicating with the bottom of the outer cylinder and the tip of the inner member biases outwardly the inner member so as to bind the shoesstring between the apertures of the outer cylinder and the apertures of the inner member thereby securing the shoestrings.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a device for holding the shoelaces in a selective position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device having an outer member having a plurality of apertures for passing the ends of shoelaces therethrough.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device having an inner member having a plurality of apertures in substantially the same position as the outer member for passing the ends of shoelaces therethrough.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device having an inner member having a plurality of apertures in substantially the same position as the outer member and spring means providing a force between the inner and outer member.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a device which can be used by children while they are learning to tie their shoelaces.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which can be used to fix the shoelaces into a selective position without having to tie them, such as temporarily injured, the elderly, children or just a desire to use laced shoes as slippers.
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2236506 (1941-04-01), Hirsch
patent: 2791335 (1957-05-01), Leebow
patent: 3080867 (1963-03-01), Eichinger
patent: 4393550 (1983-07-01), Yang et al.
patent: 4453292 (1984-06-01), Bakker
patent: 5323514 (1994-06-01), Masuda et al.
patent: 5345657 (1994-09-01), Shimizu
patent: 5365641 (1994-11-01), Watanabe et al.
patent: 5924178 (1999-07-01), Holmberg
patent: 6026548 (2000-02-01), Jackson
patent: 641586 (1937-02-01), None
patent: 229883 (1998-07-01), None
patent: 4232 (1882-01-01), None
Brittain James R.
Kroll Michael I
LandOfFree
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