Patent Application
20140290015
Not Applicable.
1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present embodiment is related in general to shoe fastening devices, and in particular to a reusable zip tie shoelace that converts lace-up shoes into slip-on shoes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional lace-up shoes are well known. However, there are numerous problems associated with lace-up shoes. Shoelaces can be difficult to insert into shoes. They can suffer from breakage or knotting and can become soiled easily, necessitating their removal, cleaning, and replacement. Their ends can become frayed or they can come untied easily, posing a tripping hazard to the wearer. Identifying the appropriate size of shoelace for replacement purposes can also be difficult. Further, the act of shoelace tying requires a manual dexterity that makes the exercise extremely difficult for children, the elderly, the disabled, and other individuals with limited hand dexterity, such as sufferers of arthritis or Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome. Moreover, some people have difficulty bending over for the length of time required to tie a shoe and may find the act difficult. Thus shoelaces pose a number of shortcomings.
One solution to avoid the problems caused by lace-up shoes is to use a slip-on shoe. Slip-on shoes obviate the problem of shoelaces by eliminating them entirely. However, slip-on shoes pose their own problems. Depending upon the size and shape of the wearer's foot, slip-on shoes may be too tight to put on easily or too loose to keep on easily. Moreover, slip-on shoes are not always readily available for purchase, especially in athletic varieties.
Another solution to the problem of shoelaces is to replace them with an alternative connection method that includes buckles, zippers, or hook-and-loop type fastening devices such as Velcro. Each of these methods also pose their own problems, such as lack of availability, or merely replace one problem associated with laces with a similar problem with these connection methods. For example, both laces and buckles require fine motor control. These alternative methods may also be deemed unattractive or unfashionable. Moreover, most of these alternative methods are not designed to retrofit existing shoes. Hence, a person who develops a back condition that prevents him or her from readily bending over to tie shoelaces might be faced with the necessity of replacing all of his or her shoes with non-tying models.
Alternative options for binding up shoes that replace conventional shoelaces and can retrofit existing lace-up shoes have been developed in the art. Recent advancements in the art disclose a reusable single piece securing device including a head having a first side and a second side, a first channel passing through the head having a first aperture associated with the first end of the head and a second aperture associated with the second end of the head, a lace lock flexibly associated with the head, and an elongated flexible lace having a first end integral to the head, and a second end, the first and second ends divided by an intermediate section including a plurality of lace teeth. However, only a small portion of the elongated lace comprises the plurality of lace teeth. Hence, the fastener can only be adjusted to the extent that lace teeth remain complementary to locking teeth. Further, the structure of the head is complicated and the device does not disclose a provision for a removable badge.
One of the existing shoe fastening devices describes a shoelace substitute that approximates the look and functions of a shoelace and includes a length of elastic material and two barbs. The barbs are each placed at and contain one of the ends of the elastic material, being crimped around the end of the elastic material to form a T. The barbs are sized to be inserted through eyelets of the shoe to connect opposite eyelets in the same manner as a shoelace. An associated method allows for replacement of the shoelace with a number of such shoelace substitutes, each connecting a pair of eyelets. The color and shape of the elastic material may be varied to coordinate with various kinds of shoes. The effect is to create a slip-on shoe from a lace-up shoe. However, the elastic material may wear and become loose due to use. Further, there is no provision to adjust the device according to the size of the wearer's foot.
Another existing device discloses a shoe fastening device designed to replace the laces of a shoe, made up of an eyelet member and an insert member, both being attachable to the eyelet tabs of a shoe using locking nylon cable ties. The eyelet member has a slotted aperture for receiving a foldable insert tab of the insert member. Hook-and-loop-type fastening material is present along the upper surface of the insert member, whereby the insert tab may be inserted through the eyelet member and then folded upon itself, thereby allowing the shoe to be removably fastened without the complication of shoelaces. However, the device requires the wearer to fasten the shoe each time it is worn. Further, the device necessitates fine motor control which may prove difficult in the case of children, the elderly, the disabled, and other individuals with limited hand dexterity.
Another existing shoe fastening device discloses a footwear fastener that uses a zipper to secure a shoe instead of shoe strings. Attached to a zipper are loops which are laced through the eyelets of an ordinary shoe and hooked to buttons on the top of the zipper. The elastic cords on both sides of the zipper ensure a tight fit by tightening where needed. However, the device requires the wearer to zip the fastener each time the shoe is worn.
Various other shoe fastening devices exist that eliminate the need for shoelaces. One such device includes an attachment device comprising a buckle-like structure positionable adjacent an eyelet in the flap of a shoe, a peg-like structure having a preselected length which allows it to extend through the eyelet, and a fastener structure usable with the peg-like structure to effect releasable, hand-actuable attachment of the buckle-like structure to each flap. Another device includes a fastener device comprising an elastic segment, a first member attached to each end of the elastic segment, and a second member used with each of the first members to engagingly attach the fastener to one of an opposing pair of eyelets. Some other devices include a laceless shoe fastener comprising a pair of closure flaps overlying the tongue region of the shoe, and Velcro covering the bottom surface of the first closure flap and the top surface of the second closure flap to hold the flaps together, and securing straps, having two elongated sections extending from the flaps for passing through an eyelet and which include Velcro on the end thereof to fixedly hold the elongated sections in contact with each other. However, some of these devices necessitate unlacing and lacing or similar opening and securing operation every time the shoe is taken off or put on. Some other devices do not allow for adjustment for tightening or loosening the shoe. Other devices require high dexterity for fastening.
Based on the foregoing there is a demonstrable need for a shoe fastening device that replaces conventional shoelaces and can retrofit existing lace-up shoes. Such a needed fastening device would eliminate the need for fastening the shoe each time it is worn. The device would be adaptable to use with all sizes of shoes. Further, the device would provide a way for tightening the shoe around a wearer's foot to ensure a proper fit. The device would also comprise a removable badge that may be used as a label or tag holder. Finally, the fastening device would be releasable and reusable. The present invention overcomes prior art shortcomings by accomplishing these critical objectives.
To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specifications, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a shoe fastening device that replaces conventional shoelaces and converts lace-up shoes into slip-on shoes.
The present invention discloses a shoe fastening device that provides an easy and quick way for lacing shoes and that can retrofit existing shoes. The shoe fastening device comprises a locking head and an elongated tie that locks together to fasten a shoe around the foot of a user.
The preferred embodiment of the shoe fastening device comprises a locking head, an elongated tie and a removable badge. The locking head has an aperture through a first side and a locking tab extending from the first side and below the aperture. The locking tab further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on a top surface. The elongated tie extends from a second side of the locking head and has a tapered end. The elongated tie further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on a bottom surface. The removable badge has a pair of slits near a pair of opposing edges to insert the elongated tie.
For the purpose of fastening the device, the tapered end of the elongated tie is inserted horizontally through the aperture of the locking head. The elongated tie is pulled through the locking head and the plurality of locking ridges of the locking tab engages with the plurality of locking ridges of the elongated tie to keep the device in a locked position. For releasing the device from its locked position the locking tab is pressed down so that the plurality of locking ridges of the locking tab disengages from the plurality of locking ridges of the elongated tie thereby releasing the device from the locked position.
A single shoe fastening device is required for fastening a pair of eyelets of a shoe. Thus multiple shoe fastening devices are required to fasten an entire shoe. For the purpose of fastening the shoe, the elongated tie of the device is inserted through the pair of eyelets of the shoe. The elongated tie is inserted in such a way that the bottom surface of the tie having the plurality of locking ridges is facing upwards. The elongated tie is turned back and inserted through the locking head and pulled to fasten the device. The process is repeated for each pair of eyelets of the shoe. In the case of a bigger size shoe, a pair of shoe fastening devices is used to fasten a single pair of eyelets.
The present invention provides an easy method to convert lace-up shoes into slip-on shoes thus eliminating the need of lacing the shoe each time it is worn. The device is flexible and unbreakable. The device is made to retrofit existing shoes and is releasable and reusable. The releasable feature of the device makes it easy and quick to fasten and unfasten the device on a shoe. Further, the device is compatible to use with all sizes of shoes.
A first objective of the present invention is to provide a shoe fastening device that would be releasable and reusable.
A second objective of the present invention is to provide a shoe fastening device that converts lace-up shoes to slip-on shoes.
A third objective of the present invention is to provide a shoe fastening device that can retrofit existing lace-up shoes.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a shoe fastening device that eliminates the need for fastening the shoe each time it is worn.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a shoe fastening device that is adaptable to use with all sizes of shoes.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a shoe fastening device that comprises a removable badge that may be used as a label or tag holder.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.
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A method of fastening a lace-up shoe 34 utilizing the shoe fastening device 10 includes the following steps. First the shoe fastening device 10 is provided to the user. Then the shoe 34 is worn by the user. The tapered end 22 of the elongated tie 18 of the device 10 is inserted through the pair of eyelets 36 of the shoe 34. The elongated tie 18 is then pulled through the pair of eyelets 36 with the bottom surface of the tie 18 having the plurality of locking ridges 26 facing upwards. The tapered end 22 of the elongated tie 18 is turned back and inserted horizontally through the aperture 30 of the locking head 12 of the device 10. The elongated tie 18 is then pulled through the locking head 12 to engage the plurality of locking ridges 26 on the elongated tie 18 with the plurality of locking ridges 32 on the top surface of the locking tab 16 on the locking head 12 to secure the device 10 in a locked position. The shoe fastening device 10 is tightened to ensure a proper fit of the shoe 34 on the foot of the user. A portion of the tapered end 22 of the elongated tie 18 is then cut off for comfort. Cutting off a portion of the elongated tie 18 is optional if the user feels that it is too long and extends out too far.
The present invention provides a shoe fastening device 10 for use with a lace-up shoe. The device 10 comprises the locking head 12 having the aperture 30 through the first side 14 and the locking tab 16 extending from the first side 14 of the locking head 12 and below the aperture 30. The locking tab 16 further comprises the plurality of locking ridges 32 on the top surface. The elongated tie 18 extends from the second side 20 of the locking head 12 and has a tapered end 22. The elongated tie 18 further comprises the plurality of locking ridges 26 on the bottom surface. The device 10 further comprises the removable badge 24 having the pair of slits 28 near the pair of opposing edges for inserting the elongated tie 18. The tapered end 22 of the elongated tie 18 is inserted through the aperture 30 of the locking head 12 and pulled to engage the plurality of locking ridges 32 of the locking tab 16 with the plurality of locking ridges 26 of the elongated tie 18 thereby keeping the device 10 in a locked position.
The presently disclosed device 10 is advantageous because it provides an easy method to convert lace-up shoes into slip-on shoes thus eliminating the need of lacing the shoe each time it is worn. The shoe fastening device 10 is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which makes the device 10 flexible and unbreakable. The device 10 is made to retrofit existing shoes and is releasable and reusable. The releasable feature of the device 10 makes it easy and quick to fasten and unfasten the device 10 on a shoe. Further, the device 10 is compatible to use with all sizes of shoes. The present device 10 may also be used in other applications commonly using zip ties such as tying bundles and bag closure.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.
