DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING A TIED SHOE LACE KNOT

Abstract

A device for securing a shoe lace has a first panel and a second panel affixed to the first panel. The second panel being movable about a fold line between a first position away from the first panel and a second position in contact with the first panel. A first shoe lace securing member extending from a first side of the first panel and a second shoe lace securing member extending from an opposed side of the first panel, each shoe lace securing member securing the first panel to a shoe. A fastener secures the first panel to the second panel when in contact with each other.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is related to an apparatus for securing shoe laces and, in particular, to a specific form of such an apparatus capable of maintaining a shoe lace in the tied position.

Any parent knows that the shoe laces of their children elementary age and younger continuously seem to come untied. Therefore, the prior art recognizes the need to secure a shoe lace to the shoe. One such prior art device is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,589 which has first and second jaws adapted to releasably capture at least a finished shoe lace knot. At least one jaw member is displaceable from the other jaw member as a jaw opening. The jaw also includes spacers secured to the tongue of the shoe providing a space between the entrance to the jaws and the shoe tongue. This device was satisfactory, however it suffered from the disadvantage that it was complex to make, expensive to manufacture and required some dexterity in use.

Accordingly, a device which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device for securing a shoe lace includes a first panel. Lace receiving members are disposed on either side of the first panel. A second panel moveable between a first position, adjacent the first panel, and a second position, away from the first panel to provide clearance for a shoe lace, moves about a fold line. A fastener secures the first panel to the second panel.

In a preferred embodiment, both the first panel and the second panel are formed with a hook and loop arrangement on the panels in facing relation to secure the panel. Also, decorative or textual indicia may be added to an opposed surface of the second panel so that when in the closed position, play value is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe lace securing device constructed in accordance with the invention in the open position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoe lace securing device moving towards the closed position in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shoe lace securing device in use on a shoe in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein a device for securing a shoe lace, generally indicated as 10, is provided. Device 10 includes a first panel 20 having an interior surface 22. In a preferred embodiment, first panel 20 is sufficiently pliable so as to bend or give with the bending of the shoe upon which it is secured to prevent discomfort or dislodging of the shoe lace, during activities such as running, sports, or other play. in a preferred embodiment, the panels are made from twill, poplin, or a thin plastic sheet having the properties described herein.

Shoe lace securing members 40, extend from each of opposed sides of panel 20 and are substantially coaxial with each other relative to panel 20. Each shoe lace securing member includes a substrate 42 and a hole 44 formed therein. Hole 44 is sized and dimensioned to be capable of receiving a shoe lace therethrough; preferably in a tension fit. In this way shoe lace securing members 40 anchor panel 20 to the shoe.

A second panel 30 is disposed along the width of panel 22 across a fold line 36. Panel 30 has an interior facing surface 32. Panel 30 is movable between a first (open) position as shown in FIG. 1 through a second position as shown in FIG. 2 to a closed position in which interior facing surface 32 is in contact and facing relationship with interior surface 22 of first panel 20.

In a preferred embodiment, first panel 20 and second panel 30 are formed as an integral piece relative to each other about fold line 36. Furthermore, a fastening structure is provided. In a preferred embodiment, interior surface 22 and interior surface 32 are provided with a hook and loop system, such as that sold under VELCRO® trademark. In this way, panels 20, 30 are secured to each other when in the closed position. However, other fasteners may be used such as a button, a snap, or even a tie.

In yet another preferred embodiment, second panel 30 has an outwardly facing surface 36. Indicia 34 such as a character's face, a sports team logo, a favorite character, words, or the like is placed thereon. In this way, if indicia 34 is a face, it appears as if device 10 is biting the lace. However, in any event, even if indicia 34 is a sports team logo, or some other text, it encourages the child to keep the device in the closed position to display indicia 34, and adds play value to device 10.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 in which the use of device 10 is demonstrated. Each shoe, generally indicated as 60, is formed with an upper, generally indicated as 64, and a sole, generally indicated as 66, secured to upper 64. Upper 64 includes lace receiving portions 69a, 69b, having shoe lace securing structure such as holes 22 formed therein for receiving a shoe lace 70 in a laced pattern for holding the shoe 60 on the foot of the wearer. Other shoe lace securing means such as hooks can be provided on lace receiving portion 69A, 69B.

The shoe lace securing device 10 is secured to shoe 60 so that outwardly facing surface 36 faces away from shoe 60. In a preferred embodiment, uppermost shoe lace holes 68a, 68b are substantially aligned with holes 42 of respective shoe lace securing members 40. Ends 74 of shoe lace 70 pass through respective holes 44 of shoe lace securing members 40. Device 10 is slid along shoe lace 70 until first panel 20 lays substantially flat against a tongue 76 of shoe 60.

Device 10 is in an open position. Panel 30 is in the open position in which the interior face 32 of panel 30 is away from the interior face 22 of panel 20. The shoe lace is then tied into a knot 78 as known in the art with the knot 78 laying against and in contact with inner surface 22 of first panel 20.

Panel 30 is then rotated in the direction of arrow A towards panel 20 along fold line 36. Panel 30 is rotated until at least a portion of interior surface 32 is in facing relationship and in contact with interior surface 22 of panel 20. In the preferred embodiment, if a VELCRO® fastening mechanism is utilized then the panels will secure to each other upon contact. Otherwise, a button may be buttoned through second panel 30, or a snap configuration may be used to secure first panel 20 to second panel 30 with sufficient force.

It should be noted, that it is known in the art that a common shoe lace for use in connection with sneakers is fiborous. As a result, the hook and loop type fastener will grab the tied bow 76 and laces 70 during intermediate tying steps; even prior to closing of device 10. Furthermore, even in the closed position, the VELCRO® fastener interacting with the shoe lace aids in keeping the shoe lace tied.

By providing a shoe lace securing device of easy construction and easy use, a device for maintaining a tied shoe is provided which may be used even by the child themself. By forming a face or other design onto the upper second panel, added play value, improved aesthetics, and the encouragement of use by the child is provided.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above and apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A device for securing a shoe lace comprising: a first panel;a second panel affixed to the first panel and movable about a fold line, between a first position away from the first panel and a second position in contact with the first panel;a first shoe lace securing member extending from a first side of the first panel and a second shoe lace securing member extending from an opposed side of the first panel for securing the first panel to a shoe; anda fastener for securing the first panel to the second panel when in the second position.

2. The device for securing a shoe lace of claim 1, wherein the first panel has an interior surface and the second panel has an interior surface contacting the interior surface of the first panel when in the closed position, the fastener being a hook and loop fastener disposed along the interior surface of the first panel and the interior surface of the second panel.

3. The device for securing a shoe lace of claim 1, wherein the second panel has an exterior surface, and further comprising indicia disposed on the exterior surface.

4. The device for securing a shoe lace of claim 3, wherein the indicia forms a face.

5. The device for securing a shoe lace of claim 1, wherein the lace securing structure includes a first membrane having a hole therein for receiving a lace therethrough, the membrane extending from the first panel, and a second membrane having a hole therein for receiving a lace therethrough.