The present invention relates generally to shoe closures and fastening systems. In particular, the invention relates to a shoe closure system that delivers the benefit of a traditional shoe lace closure without the need to knot the shoe lace or closure for securing at a particular degree of tightening.
Traditional shoe laces designs, such as those based on tying knots, offer a plurality of benefits. Such benefits include but are not limited to: delivering a high degree of adjustability for shoe fit and tightness based on lace cross-over area; quickly achieving a large opening in a shoe from which to remove a user's foot; one closure (e.g., a knot) may secure adjustment of the entire lace system; shoe laces are relatively inexpensive and easy to use; and shoe laces are generally accepted and aesthetically pleasing by establishing the classic appearance of a shoe. Furthermore, there has been interest in alternate shoe closure systems in order to minimize the time, dexterity, and effort required to fasten and unfasten the closure. However, the existing alternate closure systems exhibit deficiencies, as these alternate systems typically fail to deliver some or all of the benefits above.
Alternate closure systems may involve the use of hook and loop fasteners, commonly known as VELCRO®. Such fasteners are typically incorporated via straps that are applied to the top-front of a shoe, across an opening of a shoe above the shoe tongue, and attached to one side of the opening. These fasteners are further looped through corresponding holes on the other side of the opening so that they allow for a degree of adjustability before being looped back over the top to fasten back near the origination point. However, these types of fasteners have many deficiencies, such as a very narrow band of pressure and tightness. For example, hook and loop fasteners typically only secure the shoe directly underneath a corresponding strap, so additional pressure results in potential “hot spots” of pressure around the strap. Additional straps may be added to address this problem, although this in turn adds to the time needed to fasten the shoes and makes establishing a good shoe fit more difficult, based on the multiple separate strap adjustments. Furthermore, while traditional hook and loop fasteners may convey a desired visual statement for some applications, these fasteners are relatively bulky and noticeable, and do not generally carry a universal aesthetic appeal.
Other conventional closure systems suffer from similar disadvantages. For example, webbing systems utilize a clip or hook for fastening, and may further be adjusted using a tri-glide or other ladder-lock type friction adjuster. However, such webbing systems involve separate actions for tightening and loosening, and may also loosen during shoe wear. Spring-loaded button lock systems (also known as “cord locks” or “speed laces”) may slide and lock onto round cross-sectional cord-like laces. However, in order to tighten or loosen the shoe, these systems typically require constant pressure by the user for the cord lock to move freely along the lace, which may result in improper use if not adjusted properly. Furthermore, extra lacing protrudes after laces are tightened, and the cord lock fastening method does not account for such extra lacing as do typical shoe lace systems.
Rotary dial systems, commonly used on cycling and snowboarding shoes, include an inherent friction in the rotary mechanism, leading to several problems. These rotary systems typically do not loosen smoothly or adequately for easy egress from a shoe, making shoe removal less intuitive than traditional laces. Additionally, rotary systems may involve additional steps (e.g., unhooking components) which may introduce challenges for a user, and are typically more expensive and have a much different appearance than a typical shoe lace closure. Elastic lace systems, while directed to ease of ingress and egress, result in poor foot-holding capability by virtue of the lace elasticity. Finally, zipper or magnet-based closures cannot tune the tightness of a shoe fit, and thus, these systems must be combined with other traditional lace-based systems, adding to weight, complexity, and cost.
Therefore, based at least on the above noted deficiencies with conventional shoe closure and fastening systems, there exists a need for an improved system that delivers the key benefits of conventional systems while maintaining ease of use for those who cannot effectively tie laces or are learning to do so.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a shoe closure system is provided. In some embodiments, the shoe closure system comprises: a shoe including at least two holes; a shoe lace configured to be threaded through each hole; and a first two-sided fastener having a first side integrated into the shoe lace and a second side integrated into a first location on the shoe. In some embodiments, the shoe closure system comprises a second two-sided fastener, the second two-sided fastener comprising: a first and second side each integrated into the shoe lace on an end opposite that of the first two-sided fastener, wherein the second two-sided fastener is configured to be threaded through each hole and fastened by coupling the first and second sides at a second location. In some embodiments, the first location is located near an opening of the shoe for receiving a foot, and the second location is located near a toe region of the shoe.
In some embodiments, the shoe closure system comprises a second two-sided fastener, the second two-sided fastener comprising: a first side integrated into the shoe lace on an end opposite that of the first two-sided fastener; and a second side integrated into a second location on the shoe. In some embodiments, the first location is located near an opening of the shoe for receiving a foot, and the second location is located near a toe region of the shoe. In some embodiments, the shoe lace further comprises an elastic material. In some embodiments, the second side of the first two-sided fastener includes a headed portion, and the first side of the first two-sided fastener includes a connecting portion configured to secure to the headed portion. In some embodiments, the second side of the first two-sided fastener includes a first magnet portion and the first side of the first two-sided fastener includes a second magnet portion, wherein the first magnet portion and the second magnet portion are configured to support securing of the connecting portion to the headed portion.
In some embodiments, the first side of the first two-sided fastener includes a sliding portion configured to adjust a tightness of the shoe lace. In some embodiments, the first side of the first two-sided fastener includes a first magnet, and the second side of the first two-sided fastener includes a second magnet configured to secure to the first magnet. In some embodiments, the second side of the first two-sided fastener includes a hook portion, and the first side of the first two-sided fastener includes a connecting portion configured to secure to the hook portion. In some embodiments, the second side of the first two-sided fastener includes a first magnet portion and the first side of the first two-sided fastener includes a second magnet portion, wherein the first magnet portion and the second magnet portion are configured to support securing of the connecting portion to the hook portion.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a shoe is provided. In some embodiments, the shoe comprises: a shoe body including an opening for receiving a foot, the opening having at least two holes; a shoe lace configured to be threaded through the at least two holes; and a two-sided fastener having a first side integrated into the shoe lace and a second side integrated into the shoe body. In some embodiments, the second side of the two-sided fastener includes a headed portion, and the first side of the two-sided fastener includes a connecting portion configured to secure to the headed portion. In some embodiments, the second side of the two-sided fastener includes a first magnet portion and the first side of the two-sided fastener includes a second magnet portion, wherein the first magnet portion and the second magnet portion are configured to support securing of the connecting portion to the headed portion. In some embodiments, the first side of the two-sided fastener includes a sliding portion configured to adjust a tightness of the shoe lace. In some embodiments, the first side of the two-sided fastener includes a first magnet, and the second side of the two-sided fastener includes a second magnet configured to secure to the first magnet.
In some embodiments, the second side of the two-sided fastener includes a hook portion, and the first side of the two-sided fastener includes a connecting portion configured to secure to the hook portion. In some embodiments, the second side of the two-sided fastener includes a first magnet portion and the first side of the two-sided fastener includes a second magnet portion, wherein the first magnet portion and the second magnet portion are configured to support securing of the connecting portion to the hook portion.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of fastening a shoe closure system is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: fastening a first two-sided fastener to a first location on a shoe, the first two-sided fastener having a first side integrated into a shoe lace and a second side integrated into the shoe at the first location; threading a second two-sided fastener through at least two holes, the second two-sided fastener having a first and second side each integrated into the shoe lace on an end opposite that of the first two-sided fastener; and fastening the second two-sided fastener by coupling the first and second sides of the second two-sided fastener at a second location.
In general, the invention provides for a novel shoe closure system. In one embodiment, the shoe closure system generally includes at least one lace, and a fastener that may allow for attachment of the at least one lace at variable lengths against the shoe. The at least one lace may be laced through a series of at least two accommodating holes per shoe side, generally in the front area of a shoe. Furthermore, the end of the webbing with the first side of the fastener may be secured against the shoe, where the shoe further incorporates the second side of the fastener at adjustable lengths. In some embodiments, the lace may be a flat webbing that allows for integration or application of one side of a fastener on the flat surface, and the fastener may be a hook and loop system, where the corresponding second side of the hook and loop may then attach to the shoe itself. In some embodiments, the lace may be a flat webbing that incorporates elastic fibers for elasticity. In some embodiments, the fastener may include a magnet, a snap or other type of headed fastener, or a headed fastener incorporating a magnet. In some embodiments, both ends of the webbing may terminate with first sides of the hook and loop fastener, and both sides may in turn secure onto the second sides attached to the shoe.
Exemplary systems described herein may allow for the adjustability of traditional shoe laces, because the webbing can be tightened or loosened through the network of holes, and then secured at a desired resulting length against the shoe. This feature results in greater adjustability and more areas of holding than traditional hook and loop strapped shoes, which typically only have one, two, or three straps that go across the shoe laterally. In some embodiments, there can be many more areas on top of the shoe that the webbing may cross over, resulting in a more even pressure across the shoe. Such features may also result in greater convenience of not having to secure every strap individually. These features may also be more convenient to use than traditional laces because there is no need for tying, since the end of the webbing is directly secured against the shoe for fastening. The invention may further allow for embodiments that have more functionality than traditional lacing systems, such as those having hook and loop fasteners at both the front and rear of the lacing zone. Placing these fasteners at such locations allow for much faster and more convenient adjustment of separate lacing regions without the added bulk of multiple traditional lace knots.
As used herein, the terminology is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only. Such terminology does not limit the scope of the invention in any way. For example, singular forms of “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include plural forms unless indicated otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as “comprises” or “comprising” specify the presence of indicated features, components, steps, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, steps, etc. The description may also include the term “in,” which may include “in” and “on” unless clearly indicated otherwise. Furthermore, usage of the term “or” includes both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings, unless clearly indicated otherwise. That is, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “or” may include “and/or.”
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined.
New shoe closures and closure systems for securing shoes onto feet and adjusting the fit of said shoes are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In the following description of the disclosure and examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which it is shown by way of illustration specific examples that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples can be practiced and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
Furthermore, webbing laces may be of different lengths, for example, small lengths, medium lengths, or large lengths, in order to accommodate different foot instep dimensions. In some embodiments, laces may be made to be trimmable to different lengths by a user. For example, a lace of longer length may be provided, where marker lines may guide a user to cutting a lace-end at pre-determined lengths if a shorter length is desired. In some embodiments, where hook and loop fasteners are bonded to the webbing, as opposed to being attached solely through sewing, the hook and loop fasteners may be trimmed using the marker lines and pre-determined lengths as described above.
Referring back to
Furthermore, in some embodiments, ends of the webbing lace may be tied together (e.g., in a single knot) at area 24, before the webbing ends 19 and 20 are fastened to the shoe at areas 22 and 23. The present invention provides a lacing system which makes incorporating a knot possible (and thus shortening a lace) in part because second side fasteners at areas 22 and 23 have an overall area that can accommodate different amounts of hook and loop fastening. This configuration could achieve an even greater visual similarity to traditional laces, achieve a more secure hold of the webbing, and help children practice at least one step of the traditional shoe lacing process.
The lacing configuration depicted in
In contrast to the shortcomings of traditional lacing configurations, the embodiment of
It will be further understood that various modifications to the invention may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, numerous changes, substitutions, and variations with respect to the systems and methods as described may occur. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various alternative embodiments may be employed to practice the invention, and that any feature may be combined with any other feature, whether such features are preferred or not.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/442,186, filed Jan. 4, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/436,061, filed Dec. 19, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/415,771, filed Nov. 1, 2016; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62442186 | Jan 2017 | US | |
62436061 | Dec 2016 | US | |
62415771 | Nov 2016 | US |