FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention integrates knowledge from two distinct fields: lace-up footwear and attachment systems. More precisely, it pertains to innovative connectors crafted from flexible materials that are designed to preserve the original bow shape of a tied shoelace knot. These connectors also provide functionality for securing decorative/ornamental charms onto various forms of lace-up footwear, including but not limited to shoes, boots, and sneakers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Since their inception, shoelaces have proven to be an excellent invention that have been used to secure many forms of footwear to our feet for centuries. However, for many individuals around the world, the untying of their shoelaces is an everyday problem that comes with their prevalence. Over the course of history, many inventions have attempted to solve this problem with varying degrees of success and overall user-friendliness. This invention differs from prior innovations in that its small and compact design, along with its case of use and range of soft materials from which it is formed, promotes a simple, safe, and multi-purposed solution to an age-old problem. Furthermore, this invention exists to enable individuals with the ability to equip a knot-retaining device onto any form of lace-up footwear that is already in their possession in a way that does not require any advanced procedure beyond what is often considered to be the traditional shoelace-tying process.
This customization factor that may be applied to already existing lace-up footwear within an individual's wardrobe is unique when compared to prior innovations. This is because, in many cases, alternative methods to prevent shoelaces from coming untied in common forms of footwear are either integrated as built-in features in new shoes, necessitating the purchase of a new pair to access that feature, or involve more intricate procedures that may prove challenging to adopt for certain individuals. Additionally, some alternatives even serve as complete replacements for traditional shoelaces altogether, thus making them even more difficult for individuals to embrace, especially those with limited dexterity, fine motor skills, or those who may prefer the familiarity and simplicity of the more traditional shoelace tying method.
The present invention addresses these drawbacks by offering a compact and portable solution that seamlessly integrates with conventional lace fastening techniques, making it easily applicable to any shoe with laces without requiring wearers to learn significantly more complicated procedures than those that are commonly used. Additional details regarding how this invention is integrated into common shoelace tying procedures/methods are provided in the subsequent Summary of the Invention section.
Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned benefits that make the invention unique, it distinguishes itself further from prior shoelace knot retaining devices and other articles of manufacture as it also enables wearers to mix and match a virtually limitless array of charm combinations to reflect their own unique sense of style and self-expression. This novel development is made possible by the carefully designed hole on the top face of the invention, along with the choice of material used to create it. This allows for the insertion of charms, which are secured via a press/compression fit into the invention itself and may be worn atop a wearer's shoes. This establishes a new option for wearers of lace-up footwear to personalize their style by easily securing decorative/ornamental charms to their shoelaces atop this invention, offering a straightforward and user-friendly feature suitable for both children and adults. Further insights into the charm insertion/customization aspects of this invention are expounded upon in the subsequent Summary of the Invention section as well. Additionally, to provide context for the word “charm” as it is used throughout these specifications, a charm refers to a decorative or ornamental object that is designed for personal expression and aesthetic enhancement. As such, they are often aptly addressed as “decorative/ornamental charm(s)” for this reason. Therefore, in this context, charms refer to items utilized for personalization, fashion embellishment, and self-expression that may be securely attached to an individual's shoelaces via connection to the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a manufactured article that may be made from soft and elastic materials such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). On its own, it takes on the appearance of a small cuboid-like object with rounded edges, three functional holes, and a cored-out bottom portion to minimize wall thickness and prevent material shrinkage/sink marks during the manufacturing process. It has two distinct uses for which it was designed to accommodate. The first is to serve as a stopper preventing the bow-shaped knot formed from a tied pair of shoelaces from coming undone as the wearer walks, runs, or performs other athletic motions. The second is to enable custom or uniformly manufactured/crafted charms to be secured to an individual's shoelaces, offering a decorative option to complement the wearer's unique choice of style.
To provide a step-by-step process for how the invention is utilized along with a general explanation regarding its functionality, the subsequently described procedure is outlined as follows: The first step for an individual to take in making use of this invention would be to tie their shoes in a standard bow knot, reinforced by what is commonly referred to as a “double knot.” Under normal circumstances, this would be where the shoelace-tying process ends. Unfortunately, due to the gradual loosening of the knot from repetitive stresses that shoes endure throughout the day as a result of a wearer's movements, it is common for the knot to still come undone even when “double knotted.” As a result, the invention adds a further step to the traditional process of tying one's shoes, which retains the original knot tied by the user in an intuitive and easy-to-use manner. Circling back to the earlier explanation framed as a step-by-step process, the second step for a user of this invention to follow is to grab hold of the free ends of the laces and pull them through the holes extruded through the front and back faces of the combination knot retainer and charm connector in an aglet-first direction. The third step is to pull/slide the invention all the way up the free ends of the laces to the highest point possible, where it comes into contact with the originally tied shoelace knot. At this stage, the free ends of the laces may be tied in an additional overhand knot to secure the invention in place. Following the previously outlined steps, the invention would now be located in a position attached to the wearer's shoelaces that allows it to perform its primary function of preventing tied shoelace knots from coming undone. Examination of the originally tied shoelace knot when the invention is secured to it at this stage reveals that the knot itself feels tighter, more compact, and has a far greater resistance to loosening than it would have previously possessed. This added strength, in addition to the overhand knot restricting the free ends of the laces from swaying back and forth in an unrestricted fashion, creates a unique combination that works in tandem to prevent tied shoelaces from coming undone. At this point, the wearer may move about with the invention mounted to their choice of lace-up footwear as it performs its primary function.
In addition to that, the invention's secondary function of securely attaching decorative/ornamental charms into it whilst being mounted to an individual's choice of lace-up footwear shall also be described. This is possible due to two crucial aspects of the invention's design: 1. The hole cored into its top face; and 2. The physical properties of the material from which it is manufactured. Made from low-durometer elastomeric materials such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), the invention has the capability to bend, expand, and elongate in response to deforming forces and return to its original shape once these forces are removed. The ability that elastomers possess, which allows them to undergo deformations and return to their original shape, was a desired quality for the invention to have for the purpose of inserting and removing a virtually unlimited range/combination of decorative/ornamental charms based on the wearer's unique choices. As mentioned previously, this is made possible through the hole cored into the top face of the invention along with the material it is made from. This is because the hole on the top face of the invention is carefully dimensioned in terms of both depth and diameter, enabling it to successfully accommodate the insertion of charms. This cavity is designed to expand and contract, conforming to the shape of the object it holds and creating a snug fit. This feature allows the invention to perform its secondary function of securing decorative/ornamental charms to all forms of lace-up footwear in an effective and intuitive manner by way of a press/compression fit. Charms inserted in this manner may be effortlessly replaced by pulling out the current one and pushing a new one into the available space until it is fully filled. The aforementioned actions associated with charm insertion and removal may be performed either before mounting the invention to an individual's shoelaces or some time afterwards when it is already mounted. Once two embodiments of the invention are successfully secured to a pair of shoes, sneakers, boots, or any other variety of lace-up footwear that an individual chooses to adorn, they may now move about freely without worry of their shoelaces coming untied, with each embodiment of the invention sporting unique charms of an individual's choice if they opt to do so.
Furthermore, the bottom portion of the invention is strategically hollowed out to accommodate scenarios where it is made via an injection mold. This hollowing is done to prevent the walls of the invention from exceeding a thickness that would otherwise exacerbate material shrinkage/sink marks as it cools throughout the injection molding process. And although the hollowed-out design in the bottom portion of the invention doesn't offer any additional utility for the wearer from a functional standpoint, it serves as a necessary aspect to streamline and enhance the effectiveness of the manufacturing process.
Lastly, all faces, walls, and extrusions that make up the present invention are designed with the necessary draft angles required to accommodate the manufacturing process efficiently. This is because draft angles are essential in manufacturing processes that involve molds or tooling. They serve multiple purposes, such as facilitating the easy ejection of molded or formed parts, as well as helping to prevent sticking and potential damage to both the tooling equipment and the parts themselves. In short, to prevent a multitude of manufacturing issues, the invention was deliberately designed with the appropriate draft angles in mind.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following drawings are intended to serve as illustrations of the invention, providing visual details of its physical features and examples showcasing its intended usage. It is crucial to note that the specific orientations, charms/accessories, type of shoelaces, and form of lace-up footwear depicted in these drawings are not restrictive or meant to limit the invention in any way possible, but rather represent a finite number of examples in which this invention and both its complementary and supplementary components may be viewed and/or utilized. The figure names/numbers associated with each drawing, along with brief descriptions of their representations, are as follows:
FIG. 1 is a drawing depicting the front perspective view of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a drawing depicting the back perspective view of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a drawing depicting an isometric perspective of the invention, observed from its top left corner.
FIG. 4 is a drawing depicting the top perspective view of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a drawing depicting the bottom perspective view of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a drawing depicting the side perspective view of the invention, which is uniform for both its right and left side faces.
FIG. 7 is a drawing depicting the isometric perspective of the invention, observed from its bottom right corner.
FIG. 8 is a drawing depicting an isometric perspective of the invention, observed from its bottom left corner while resting on its back face. This positioning allows for a view of the cored-out bottom of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a drawing depicting the front perspective view of a single athletic shoe with the invention mounted onto it.
FIG. 10 is a drawing depicting the front perspective view of a single athletic shoe with the invention mounted on it, accompanied by a decorative/ornamental basketball charm attached to the invention.
FIG. 11 is a drawing depicting the elevational perspective view of a single athletic shoe with the invention mounted onto it.
FIG. 12 is a drawing depicting the elevational perspective view of a single athletic shoe with the invention mounted onto, accompanied by a decorative/ornamental paw print charm attached to the invention.
FIG. 13 is a drawing depicting a general example of an insert capable of connecting to the circular hole on the top face of the invention. This example possesses a conical shape.
FIG. 14 is a drawing depicting a general example of an insert capable of connecting to the circular hole on the top face of the invention. This example possesses a conical shape with a flat bottom.
FIG. 15 is a drawing depicting a general example of an insert capable of connecting to the circular hole on the top face of the invention. This example possesses a conical shape with a spherical bottom.
FIG. 16 is a drawing depicting a decorative/ornamental heart charm alongside an isometric view of the invention. In this illustration, the heart charm is displayed attached to a conically shaped insert with a flat bottom. This figure is intended to illustrate the process by which decorative/ornamental charms, affixed to an insert, may be fitted into the invention.
FIG. 17 is a drawing depicting a decorative/ornamental heart charm fitted into the invention by way of an insert. This figure serves as an example to further highlight the invention's utility as a charm connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In this section, the invention is explained along with the process of how it is both made and used in full, clear, concise, and exact terminology by referencing the figures briefly described in the previous section. Referring now to the figures in greater detail, the various numerals shown in the drawings are expounded upon in this section. They are used to designate and reference key features of both the invention and areas of interest within the drawings themselves in order to describe the invention in a complete and effective manner such that they may provide any person of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, science, or area of expertise to make and use the invention without the need for extensive experimentation. As shown throughout each figure in which it is illustrated, the present invention is designated as 20. As it appears in the preferred embodiment, the present invention 20 is a small cuboid-like object created to serve as a combination shoelace knot retainer and charm connector, as its title describes. It possesses rounded edges, three functional holes, and a cored-out bottom to accommodate the processes through which it is manufactured. As a result, in reference to the four categories of invention that are deemed to be the appropriate subject matter of a patent, including a process, machine, article of manufacture (also referred to simply as a manufacture), and a composition of matter, the present invention 20 is categorized as an article of manufacture.
Beginning with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the front and back perspective views of the present invention 20 are shown respectively, in order to illustrate the difference between the diameter of the holes as seen on the invention's front face 22 when compared to the size of the holes appearing on the invention's back face 24. As indicated by the leaders throughout the drawings, 22 and 24 address both holes on the front and back faces of the invention. The reason for the difference in the dimensional differences between 22 and 24 is due to a 2-degree draft angle being applied in order to accommodate the needs of an injection mold. As a result, the cavities formed between 22 and 24 are extruded entirely through the present invention 20 at the aforementioned draft. In other words, the minimum diameter of these cavities are shown through the holes on the invention's front face 22, and the maximum diameter of this cavity is shown through the holes on the invention's back face 24. With this in mind, all other diameters throughout the cavities themselves possess the appearance of gradually widening or narrowing to link 22 and 24, depending on the perspective from which an individual views them from. For example, if viewed from the front, the cavities appear to widen beginning at the diameter of the holes on the invention's front face 22 and ending at the diameter of the holes on the invention's back face 24. Conversely, if viewed from the back, the cavities appear to narrow, beginning at the diameter of the holes on the invention's back face 24 and ending at the diameter of the holes on the invention's front face 22.
As previously mentioned, in the preferred embodiment, the present invention 20 takes on the appearance of a small cuboid-like object. However, key design features exist that differentiate it from a standard cuboid which were implemented to promote safety, comfort, and manufacturing efficiency. First shown in FIG. 1, the rounded-out edges of the top and bottom portions of the present invention 20 running from its front face to its back face (or vice versa depending on the perspective of the viewer) are designated, respectively, as 21 and 23. As depicted in the drawings, the reference number 21 is assigned to both top edges, while the reference number 23 is assigned to both bottom edges. To provide greater context for why it was decided to make the edges 21 and 23 rounded rather than keeping them sharp, as is typical in most cuboid-shaped objects, the following may be stated: Beginning with circumstances relating to safety and comfort, rounded edges are more suited to promote the well-being of individuals that use/come into contact with the invention when compared to sharper ones. For example, if a person were to accidentally step or fall on the invention, either when it is mounted to an individual's shoe or resting on a surface, rounded edges make for a safer landing point. And although the preferred embodiment of the present invention 20 may be comprised of soft manufactured elastomeric materials such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), with a low shore hardness, ideally within the range of 20 A to 40 A on the Shore A hardness (durometer) scale, the decision to design the edges, respectively designated as 21 and 23, with a rounded shape as opposed to a sharper shape was made as an extra safety measure. Additionally, the decision to round out the edges designated as 21 and 23 was influenced by the desire to make the casual handling of the present invention 20 easier to bear. This is due to the fact that it is comparatively more comfortable for an individual to carry objects with rounded edges in either their hands or pockets than it is to carry those with sharper ones.
Moreover, regarding circumstances that influenced the decision to round out the top and bottom edges of the invention, designated as 21 and 23, respectively, as they relate to the manufacturing process, it is often observed that injection molds are able to produce parts more effectively that have rounded edges as opposed to those that possess comparatively sharper ones. This is because objects with sharper edges, when produced using an injection mold, may lead to a variety of issues, including increased fill pressure, inconsistent flow, material stress, prolonged cooling times, warpage, greater wear on the tooling, and other potential issues. Cumulatively, each of these considerations played a key role in the ultimate decision to round out the top and bottom edges, designated as 21 and 23. FIG. 3 shows an isometric perspective of the present invention 20 when observed from its top left corner, wherein the full lengths of the rounded edges, respectively designated as 21 and 23, are first depicted. FIG. 3 is also sequentially the first to illustrate the circular hole 25 that enables the attachment of decorative/ornamental charms to the present invention 20 itself.
Also depicted in FIG. 4, the circular hole 25 that enables the invention to function as a connector for decorative/ornamental charms is shown in conjunction with the base of the cavity 26. When viewed from the top perspective, the base of the cavity 26 is illustrated as a circle of a comparatively smaller diameter when compared to that of the circular hole 25. Similarly to the narrowing/widening that is observed throughout the cavity formed between the holes on the front face of the invention 22 and the holes on the back face of the invention 24, the circular hole at the top of the invention 25 and the base of the cavity 26 form a similar structure. In other words, from the top perspective, the cavity in which decorative/ornamental charms are inserted into begins with a diameter identical to the circular hole at the top of the invention 25 and narrows to a diameter identical to that of the cavity's base 26. To provide context for how this cavity functions as a connecting port for decorative/ornamental charms, it is extruded to a depth just over ¾ the height of the present invention 20 itself. This dimension was chosen in order to provide the cavity with sufficient room to accommodate a range of inserts of varying lengths and to account for manufacturing variance. Due to the soft and flexible elastomeric material that the present invention 20 is made from, inserts secured into it via a press/compression fit may have a maximum diameter greater than the circular hole at the entrance of the cavity 25 to form a snug and stable fit. Ideally, inserts used in conjunction with this invention may also be formed from elastomeric materials and may be attached to an individual's choice of decorative/ornamental charms to mix and match designs however they see fit. Though not directly a part of the present invention 20, nor meant to limit it in any way, further examples of how some of the inserts that function ideally with the charm insertion cavity may be generally shaped are provided later on in this section, where FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are described in detail.
Also shown in FIG. 4, the drafts applied outwardly to all sides of the invention's walls are fully viewable. Once again, this draft was applied to accommodate the needs of the injection mold, specifically for the purposes of effectively ejecting manufactured iterations of the invention from the mold itself. This is because under circumstances where adequate draft is not applied and walls are kept vertical (as is typically the case in a standard cuboid-shaped object), displaced air may cause a vacuum to form, which exerts a suction force on the manufactured part, which in turn makes it difficult for an ejector to remove the part from the mold. To prevent this from becoming an issue during manufacturing, drafts were applied outwardly to all walls of the present invention 20 from top to bottom early on in the design process. Conversely, FIG. 5 introduces a bottom perspective view of the present invention 20 where a multitude of cored-out cavities are first shown. Referring now to the circular hole labeled 27, this cavity exists to prevent portions of the invention from exceeding higher wall thicknesses in order to reduce the chances of material shrinkage/sink marks from forming as a result of uneven cooling. This hole 27 is not to be confused with the cavity reflected by the circular hole 25 and the circular base 26, as the two are separate cavities altogether. In other words, the circular hole 27 that is visible from the bottom perspective view of the invention is not used to attach decorative/ornamental charms via inserts, but rather for two distinct purposes. The first is to keep the overall wall thicknesses of the present invention 20 low, and the second is to serve as a location for an ejector sleeve to be located in order to eject iterations of the present invention 20 from a mold once they are finished.
Also first illustrated in FIG. 5, tube-like structures that nearly resemble u-shaped channels 28 exist that wrap around the lower portion of the cavities formed by the holes 22 and 24 in order to ensure that these areas remain closed off and intact despite the additional cored-out sections designated as 29 that surround them. With regard to references throughout the drawings themselves, these tube-like structures 28 are technically two structures; however, due to the unique geometry of the extruded cavities, they appear as four from certain perspectives. As these structures 28 are fundamentally symmetrical and uniform, they are all denoted by the same number whenever they are labeled or otherwise given attention to in the drawings. Expanding upon the remaining cavities 29 first introduced in FIG. 5, there exist a total of four of them that extend inwards to a maximum point roughly half of the total height of the present invention 20. Similarly to the tube-like structures designated as 28, there exist multiple cavities designated as 29. This is due to their symmetrical shape and otherwise identical structure. First shown in FIG. 5, this maximum point is designated as 30 and exists as a flat surface. It represents the greatest height/depth (depending on the perspective) that the cored-out areas 29 at the bottom of the invention may extend to. Furthermore, the overall geometry of the cavities 29 harmonizes with the draft applied throughout the walls of the present invention 20. In other words, the inward draft that these cavities 29 take matches that of the draft applied throughout the walls of the present invention 20 that the cavities are cored from.
Regarding FIG. 6, the side perspective views as the present invention 20 appears from both its right and left sides are fully illustrated. From this view, drafts of the front and back faces of the present invention 20 are visible, thus depicting their angular appearance as a result of these drafts. This perspective view of the present invention 20 is unique because it is one of the few where the draft applied to the front and back faces is distinctly noticeable. The full extents of the rounded-out edges on the top and bottom of the invention, 21 and 23, respectively, are also visible from this perspective, illustrating the overall size difference between the two with respect to the length of these sections when compared to one another. Addressing the contents illustrated in FIG. 7, an isometric view of the present invention 20 as observed from its bottom right corner is depicted in order to show many features first introduced in FIG. 5 from an additional vantage point. Features that specifically have greater visibility in FIG. 7 than they do in FIG. 5 include those designated as 27 and 29. The perspective shown in FIG. 7 allows the circular hole 27 and the cavities 29 to be viewed in three dimensions. FIG. 8 exists for a similar purpose, albeit to better illustrate the appearance of the tube-like structures 28 from a three-dimensional perspective. Compared to how they are illustrated in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 offers a higher level of visual understanding with regard to how these tube-like structures 28 appear in a three-dimensional plane. This is because FIG. 8 is illustrated in an isometric view of the present invention 20, where it is observed from its bottom left corner while resting on its back face. This allows for the tube-like structures 28 to be visible as they appear when viewed through the cavities 29 extruded into the bottom portion of the present invention 20 in a three-dimensional plane.
Furthermore, regarding explanations for how the present invention 20 is used, FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 serve as examples to help provide greater context and describe this process in heightened detail. As such, these illustrations serve to depict a finite number of examples regarding the type(s) of lace-up footwear, shoelaces, and decorative/ornamental charms that may be worn in conjunction with the present invention 20. In other words, the specific type(s) of lace-up footwear, shoelaces, and decorative/ornamental charms that are depicted in the drawings are not meant or intended to limit the present invention 20 in any way whatsoever. Numerous forms and varieties of lace-up footwear, shoelaces, and decorative/ornamental charms may be used in conjunction with the present invention 20, therefore, those that are shown are meant to serve as examples to aid in describing the process of how it is used in detail. FIGS. 9 and 11, respectively, showcase both the front and elevational perspective views of a single athletic shoe 31 with the present invention 20 mounted onto it.
Using the labeled features introduced in FIGS. 9 and 11, along with those mentioned in earlier figures, the process of how the present invention 20 is utilized shall now be described in detail. Similarly to how this process is mentioned in the Summary of the Invention section, the first step in utilizing this invention for its knot retention function is to take one's shoelaces 32 and tie them in a standard bow knot, reinforced by what is commonly referred to as a “double knot” 34. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, the shoelaces 32 of the depicted athletic shoe 31 are tied in a double knot 34 with the present invention mounted onto them. To reach this stage, the free ends of the shoelaces that dangle from the originally tied knot 34 are individually threaded through the cavities formed between the holes 22 and 24, with their respective aglets 33 leading the way. The present invention 20 is then raised along the path of the free ends of the shoelaces, reaching a position where it comes into physical contact with the initially tied knot 34. The free ends of the shoelaces are then tied in either an overhand knot 35 or another type of knot of a similar structure that may serve as a stopper in order to secure the present invention 20 in place, anchoring it in a position that maintains the integrity of the originally tied knot 34. Without the present invention 20, the original knot 34 would feel soft and loose to the touch. However, bolstered in strength by the attachment of the present invention 20 along with the stopper knot 35, the originally tied knot 34 is significantly reinforced, feeling compact and dense to the touch instead. In this configuration, with tangible instances of the present invention 20 attached to the wearer's preferred choice of lace-up footwear, individuals are free to engage in activities such as walking, running, hiking, cycling, and/or various other athletic and daily movements, reassured that their shoelaces will remain securely tied. Furthermore, although only one athletic shoe 31 and one instance of the present invention 20 are depicted in the drawings, it is crucial to note that each foot benefits from at minimum the use of one instance of the invention to form a complete pair. In other words, in most cases, a total of two instances of the present invention 20 are recommended for a pair, which may be used to effectively secure and retain the tied shoelace knots 34 for each foot that a wearer outfits with their personal choice of lace-up footwear. The universal design of the present invention 20 allows it to be worn comfortably on both right and left feet, indicating that a pair may be formed from any two physical instances of the invention that a wearer may obtain.
Also, it is worth noting that under the ideal procedure, the free ends of the shoelaces that dangle from the originally tied knot 34 are pulled through the cavities formed between the holes 22 and 24, entering first from the holes on the back face of the invention designated as 24 and emerging from the holes on the front face of the invention designated as 22. However, though not ideal, it is also possible for the free ends of the shoelaces that dangle from the originally tied knot 34 to be pulled through the cavities formed between the holes 22 and 24, entering first from those designated as 22 and emerging from those designated as 24 as well. The reason that the former approach is preferred over the latter is simply because it is generally easier for an individual to perceive the larger holes designated as 24 when compared to those designated as 22. As a result, their comparatively larger size makes them a more effective entry point for individuals to first thread the free ends of their shoelaces through. Nevertheless, this does not prevent individuals from utilizing the latter approach, as threading the free ends of their shoelaces entering into the holes designated as 22 and emerging from those designated as 24 achieves the same result that the former approach describes. Additionally, several knots of a similar structure to a traditional overhand knot 35, may be used to secure the present invention 20 in place to retain the integrity of the original 34. This was briefly mentioned in the previous paragraph when referring to “another type of knot of a similar structure that may serve as a stopper.” Such knots include, but are not limited to, a double overhand knot, figure-eight knot, stevedore knot, clove hitch, barrel knot, or any other variety of stopper knot that the wearer may prefer to tie. The stopper knot depicted in FIGS. 9, 11, and 12 is depicted as an overhand knot 35 primarily because knots of this structure are among the easiest to tie. Moreover, individuals accustomed to standard shoelace-tying practices are more likely to be familiar with the conventional overhand knot 35 as opposed to more advanced varieties. Therefore, it is presented as the preferred knot to illustrate this aspect of the present invention's 20 utility concerning shoelace knot retention. To detach the present invention 20 from a pair of tied shoelaces 32, one may easily untie the knot acting as a stopper (in the illustrated examples, denoted as 35) and slide it along the free ends of the shoelaces, away from the originally tied knot 34, until complete separation is achieved.
Illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, the shoelaces designated as 32 are of a round variety. However, knots tied with shoelaces of other types may also be utilized with the present invention 20 just as effectively. Round laces were merely depicted for exemplary purposes, but other shoelace types that function exceptionally with the present invention 20 include flat shoelaces, oval shoelaces, waxed shoelaces, cotton shoelaces, and many more in addition to round shoelaces as shown in the drawings. In short, types of shoelaces that function best with the present invention 20 consist of those that may be threaded through the cavities existing between the holes 22 and 24, which enable the aforementioned mounting and knot retention procedures to be effectively performed. Similarly, the athletic shoe 31 depicted in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 represents only one type of shoe that the present invention 20 may be utilized with. As was the case with the round laces, this type of shoe was depicted for exemplary purposes. In other words, the present invention 20 is not limited only to athletic shoes, as it also works seamlessly with other forms of lace-up footwear, including but not limited to sneakers/trainers, work boots, combat boots, fashion boots, dress shoes, casual shoes, sports shoes, workout shoes, athletic cleats, and more. In essence, the present invention 20 is designed to function effectively with a broad array of lace-up footwear, offering versatility across different styles and purposes.
FIGS. 10 and 12 depict the front and elevational perspective views of an athletic shoe 31 as it appears when decorative/ornamental charms are inserted into the present invention 20. This is done to provide context for how the present invention 20 functions as a charm connector. In FIG. 10, a basketball charm designated as 36 is depicted, while in FIG. 12, a paw print charm designated as 37 is depicted. These examples, namely the basketball charm 36 and the paw print charm 37, are presented to offer a limited representation of the diverse range of decorative/ornamental charms that may be seamlessly connected to the present invention 20. It is crucial to note that these depictions serve as mere samples, and the potential topics for charms are nearly limitless. Wearers may choose from an extensive variety of materials, themes, and styles, allowing for a personalized and expansive range of possibilities when selecting and connecting charms to the invention. In the context of how charms are integrated into the present invention 20, this process is facilitated by inserts designed to be affixed to the wearer's chosen charms. These inserts serve as intermediary components, providing a secure and versatile attachment point for various charm types. The inserts themselves may be connected to charms through multiple methods, including adhesive bonding, press-fit attachment, or any other suitable measures. The attachment process provides wearers the flexibility to customize their charms ahead of time, choosing from a diverse selection of materials and styles. Once the inserts are securely joined to the charms, the combination becomes ready for effortless connection to the present invention 20, enabling wearers to personalize their lace-up footwear with case and creativity.
A few examples of inserts proven to effectively secure decorative/ornamental charms within the present invention 20 are illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15. These inserts showcase a limited selection of optimal shapes for facilitating the connection of charms into the circular hole in the top face of the invention 25. While these figures highlight a few preferred shapes, it is important to note that the present invention 20 is versatile and may accommodate various insert designs to suit individual preferences. Ideally formed from elastomeric materials, inserts with a conical shape, such as those designated as 38, 39, and 40, offer optimal performance with the present invention 20. The choice of a conical shape is strategic, as it facilitates easy entry into the circular hole in the top face of the invention 25. The flexibility and compressibility of the upper portion of these conically shaped inserts enable a seamless insertion process, ensuring a snug and stable fit within the hole 25. This design consideration enhances user convenience and versatility, allowing for effortless attachment of decorative/ornamental charms to the present invention 20. The following information serves as further detail for the inserts designated as 38, 39, and 40. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the insert designated as 38 features a general conical shape. Inserts of this variety are an efficient choice for facilitating the connection of charms to the present invention 20. As depicted in FIG. 14, the insert designated as 39 also features a conical shape, although the major difference between it and the aforementioned insert 38 is that it sports a flat bottom. Inserts of this shape are some of the most effective, as when dimensioned properly, they exhibit a fit that extends fully into the depths of any cavities that they are intended to fill. Also, as showcased in FIG. 15, the insert designated as 40 features a conical shape like the aforementioned inserts, however, it sports a rounded/spherical bottom, which differentiates it from the others. Inserts of this shape also excel for use in charm insertion by maximizing the occupied space within any cavities they fill.
FIGS. 16 and 17 provide an illustrative example of how inserts contribute to the charm connection capabilities of the present invention 20. In these figures, a heart charm 41 is depicted affixed to a conical insert with a flat bottom 39. Specifically, FIG. 16 demonstrates the appearance of the present invention 20 and a charm bonded with an insert before the charm is fitted into the invention itself. In contrast, FIG. 17 illustrates the appearance of the charm bonded with an insert 39 when fully fitted into the present invention 20. To delve into the details of the illustrated scenario, the heart charm 41 serves as a separate component in the charm connection process. The insert 39, to which the heart charm 41 is bonded, is pressed into the hole on the top face of the invention 25 until it reaches the full depth of the cavity. Once this process is complete, the charm may securely rest atop the present invention 20. Users may easily remove/replace charms connected in this manner by pulling them out of the circular hole on the top face of the invention 25 and inserting new ones for further customization.
Lastly, the present invention 20, crafted from elastomeric materials such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), is not limited to a specific manufacturing process. While injection molding stands as a primary method for which a majority of design considerations were made to accommodate, alternative techniques for production are viable as well. Apart from injection molding, compression molding, a process that involves the shaping of elastomeric materials through the application of heat and pressure, is another approach that may be utilized to produce physical instances of the present invention 20. For scenarios favoring the production of silicone rubber parts, liquid injection molding (LIM) is another manufacturing method that proves itself effective in producing physical instances of the present invention 20. Transfer molding, an automated adaptation of compression molding that provides efficiency in shaping elastomeric materials, serves as another applicable manufacturing method to produce physical instances of the present invention 20. Additionally, consideration is given to the 3D printing manufacturing methods, including fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA). This comprehensive approach ensures that the invention may be manufactured using a range of methods, each offering their own unique advantages in shaping the final product.
Patent Application
20250221495
