Knot lacing device

Abstract

A knot lacing device for tying and knotting laces or drawstring and a method therefor comprising threading a lace through an interior cavity of the knot lacing device in a first direction, the knot device comprising a body section comprising a first end and second end and a length extending therebetween and an interior cavity running at least partially along the length, turning the lace at an outlet of the interior cavity, and wrapping the lace around a body of the device in a second direction opposing the first direction and engaging the lace with a ridge coiled along a length of the device such that the lace is wrapped around the body of the device and along a length of the body of the device.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a knot lacing device, specifically a device for tying, knotting, or retaining a lace.

Learning how to tie a shoelace is not an easy task and it requires instruction along with significant time and effort. In addition, people with disabilities or medical conditions, which affect their ability to make coordinated finger movements, may have trouble tying a shoelace.

In addition to shoes, pants and tops are provided with drawstrings and these draw strings when used in pants have a tendency to untie during movement of the wearer or slide out of the openings allowing one end of the drawstring to become inaccessible and lost in the waistband of the garment. In hooded tops with drawstrings for the hood, the strings may slide into the hood and/or become a nuisance to a wearer as the excess length of the drawstring hangs in front of the wearer.

Various devices are available to teach or assist a user with tying their shoelaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,094 describes a shoelace knot retainer comprising top and bottom portions preferably hinged together. The bottom portion includes parallel side walls spaced by an opening that receives the shoelaces. The top portion contains ribs adjacent to the side walls when the top is engaged over the bottom. When the retainer is placed over a knot such that the knot is received between the side walls, the ends of the shoelace and the tips of the bow lie over the side walls and are clamped by the ribs when the top is engaged over the bottom. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs and the sidewalls have serrated edges to assist in gripping the shoelace.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,508 describes a shoelace knot assisting device to assist users with tying bow-type knots by securing the initial crossover knot while the complete bow-type knot is tied. The device can be used by children learning how to tie shoelace knots or by any person who is having difficulty tying shoelaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,172 describes a knot retainer for shoelaces which is a disc-like body member arranged to lie flat on the lacing area of a shoe and has a first aperture arranged to receive both the free ends of a shoelace upwardly therethrough. A pair of second apertures extends through the body member and are arranged to receive the free ends of the shoelace downwardly therethrough after a knot has been tied on the upper surface of the body member. Another pair of apertures may be provided in the body member, which is arranged to receive the free ends of the shoelaces upwardly therethrough after the shoelaces have been passed down through the second apertures.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,500 describes a knot-securing device that is of particular benefit in securing shoelace knots made from a flexible material with a region having hook elements, a part having loop elements, and a pair of apertures in the flexible material for allowing the open ends of a shoelace to pass through from one surface of the material to the opposite surface of the material, wherein the shoelace is then tied in a knot, and the regions with the hook and loop elements are brought into contact to form a secure, but releasable, lock around the knot.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,610 describes a shoelace fastener for securing and restraining the loops and tails of tied shoelaces from becoming loosened and untied. A tab is mounted on a tension band to permit the loops and tails to be passed between the tension band, and the shoe tongue and the loop's end tails are secured next to the tongue and facings of the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,375 describes a tying device that is a low profile, flexible tying device for holding or retaining shoelaces in place. The device includes a base portion having a slot and a tongue portion for insertion into the slot. A part of the tongue is serrated to engage surfaces defining the slot to lock the device about a shoelace knot. Dimples are provided on the tongue portion for gripping the shoelace material.

Multiple solutions have been presented for effective shoe-lacing devices. However, these solutions are limited and restricted to their conventional systems.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for knotting or retaining a lace or drawstring and the device comprises a body section with a first end and a second end with a length extending therebetween. A channel runs at least partially along the length of the device with a first opening proximate the first end of the body section and second opening proximate the second end of the body. A ridge wraps or coils around an exterior length of the body section. This allows the lace or draw string to be threaded through the interior of the body and wrapped or coiled around the exterior of the body for retaining or knotting the lace or drawstring.

The device comprises an exterior groove, wherein the groove extends along at least a portion of the length of the body section.

In one or more embodiments, the groove is an indent in the body section defined by at least one break in the ridge.

In one or more embodiments, the groove extends from the first end to the second end of the body section.

The device comprises a notch, wherein the notch is defined by a break in the body section such that a part of the channel is exposed.

In one or more embodiments, the notch is located within a groove.

The device comprises an aperture therein, the aperture providing an opening to the channel.

The device comprises a ball structure and/or socket structure for engagement with a second device.

In one or more embodiments, the ridge is configured to host a lace or drawstring between adjacent surfaces of the ridge.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a lace or drawstring knot assembly. The assembly comprises two of the devices for knotting or retaining a lace or drawstring according to one or more embodiments described herein. The devices having the similar constructions, with one of the devices in the assembly comprising a ball structure and the second device comprising a socket structure. The ball structure on the first device engages the socket structure on the second device such that the ball structure fits within the socket structure. The first device and the second device are secured together by the engagement between the ball and socket structure.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of knotting a shoelace comprising threading a lace through an interior cavity of a knot device in a first direction; turning the lace at an outlet of the interior cavity; and wrapping the lace around a body of the device in a second direction opposing the first direction and engaging the lace with a ridge winding along a length of the device such that the lace is wrapped around the body of the device and along a length of the body of the device.

In one or more embodiments, the lace fits tightly in a groove between two adjacent raised surfaces of the ridge. In one or more embodiments the lace lies flush with the ridge.

The method comprises threading the lace into an aperture. In one or more embodiments, the lace is threaded back into the interior cavity. The lace may be threaded into the interior cavity one, two, or three or more times.

In one more embodiments, the device is used to knot or retain a first end of the lace and an opposing, second end of the lace. The second end of the lace may be threaded into the interior cavity with or without the first end of the lace, may be wrapped around the device, or combinations thereof.

The method comprises fitting the lace within a groove, wherein the groove extends along the length of the body section.

In one or more embodiments, the groove is an indent in the body section defined by at least one break in the ridge.

The method comprises threading the lace over a notch, wherein the notch is defined by a break in the body section such that a part of the interior cavity is exposed.

The method comprises securing the device, wherein the device is a first device, to a second device.

In one or more embodiments, the first device and the second device are secured together by a ball and socket mechanism.

In one or more embodiments, the first device comprises a ball structure and the second device comprises a socket structure, and wherein the ball structure engages the socket structure to secure the first device to the second device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a first side view of a knot lacing device according to one or more embodiments herein.

FIG. 1B is an opposing side view of the knot lacing device illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the knot lacing device illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 2A is a first side view of a knot lacing device according to one or more embodiments herein.

FIG. 2B is an opposing side view of the knot lacing device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the knot lacing device illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of using the knot lacing device according to one or more embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A knot lacing device for tying and knotting a lace or a drawstring is described herein. The device may be used with shoelaces or drawstrings from an article of clothing, tote bag or satchel, or any other article having a lace or drawstring for closure. While embodiments described herein refer to use of one or more devices with shoelace(s), this is for purposes of illustration and the device(s) may be similarly used with any lace or drawstring to prevent the lace or drawstring from loosening, dragging, tangling, or the like while a user is wearing or using an article having the lace or drawstring.

In one or more embodiments, one or more devices can be used to eliminate the need for tying and traditionally knotting laces or drawstrings. In one or more embodiments, the device is advantageous where for example, a double knot may be required to prevent untying of the laces or drawstring. In addition, the device provides an easier and more efficient way of tying shoelaces, especially for those who have trouble tying their laces. The device is usable with any type of lace and/or any type of shoe that utilizes laces. For example, the device may be used with running shoes, tennis shoes, boating shoes or any shoe having a lace of any material. As used throughout this disclosure, the term “lace” may also refer to a drawstring which in some articles has the same specifications as a lace and in some articles has different specifications (e.g., length or thickness, material) but are usable with this device in substantially the same manner.

In general, the knot lacing device is a hollow or substantially hollow body configured to receive a lace in an interior cavity thereof and allow the lace to pass through the body and coil around an external length of the body. The lace may coil along the external length of the body in a direction opposite the direction in which the lace was fed through the interior cavity of the device. The lace may also pass back into the interior cavity a subsequent or third time if necessary. The device captures and retains a length of the lace therein and can effectively shorten an excess length of the lace by way of wrapping or coiling a length of the lace around an external length of the device, by way of inserting a length of the lace through the interior cavity a subsequent time or more, or combinations thereof. This allows the device to be universal in use to an extent that the device can be used with laces of various lengths and widths. The device may also be provided in various sizes to accommodate for laces of different length and thickness.

In one or more embodiments, the knot lacing device comprises a body section which comprises a first end, a second end, and a channel running along the length of the body between the first end and the second end. The channel may be positioned on a side of the body or centered within the body (e.g., in the manner of a tube). The body section may be generally cylindrical, rectangular, or an irregular shape and elongated to accommodate the wrapping or coiling of a length of the lace around the body section.

The body section may comprise an exterior threaded length. The threaded length may extend substantially the entire body length or a portion thereof. The threaded length includes a root and a crest as well as flanks. The crest is referred to throughout this disclosure as the “ridge” and the root of the threaded length referred to as the “groove”. The “flanks” of the threaded length are also referred to the adjacent ridge surfaces. That is, a length of the lace wraps along the threaded length with the lace resting in the root area (groove) between the flanks (adjacent ridge surfaces). The groove provides an indent that may be configured to fit all or part of a lace therein. The pitch of the threads may be varied for use of devices with different types of laces. That is, the device may have a larger pitch for wider laces so as to accommodate the lace diameter within the groove and between the adjacent ridge surfaces and conversely, a smaller pitch for smaller laces. The larger pitch may also be provided for use with longer laces so that the lace may be wrapped one, two, three or more times around the device and/or so that the lace winds tightly around the device.

The ridge of the device may comprise one or more component ridges, or may be one continuous ridge traversing the length of the body.

The body section has two opposing ends, wherein the two ends are connected by the length of the body section extending therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the body section may comprise a hollow interior cavity which provides a channel that runs through the body section. The channel may extend through the body and terminate at an opening in a first end and an opening in a second end of the body section. In one or more embodiments, the channel is configured such that a lace may be threaded therethrough one, two, or more times. That is, a length of the lace may be fed through an opening in the first end of the body and extend through the cavity to exit at the opening in the second end. From there, the lace may then be coiled around the exterior length of the body and retained thereon by way of friction fit within the adjacent surfaces of the ridge and/or within the groove.

In one or more embodiments, the body section comprises a ridge and a corresponding groove, which may extend a portion of or substantially the length of the body section. For example, the groove may extend from the first end of the body section to the second end. In one or more embodiments, the groove includes one or more wide groove sections which interrupt the coil of the ridge around the body section. For example, addition lace length after a knot is formed with the device, may be fitted within the groove. The groove may prevent the lace from dragging or getting caught during use.

In one or more embodiments, the body section comprises a lace guard. The lace guard prevents the lace from falling at the initial twirling(wrapping) point on the groove or ridge. The lace guard may comprise a notch, which may be located at generally the first end or second end of the body section. The notch may also be within a groove. For example, the groove may comprise a notch at any location along the length of the groove. In one or more embodiments, the notch is defined by a break in the body section such that part of the channel, an interior cavity of the body section, is exposed. Additionally, or alternatively, the notch may be defined by a break in the ridge and/or a break in the first and/or second end of the body section. The notch may have a varying shapes and sizes. For example, the notch may be generally circular, triangular, rectangular, or an irregular shape. The notch may be configured for engaging a lace and to allow the lace to be tightly coiled around the body section. In addition, the notch may prevent the lace from slipping, which could cause a knot to loosen and come undone.

In one or more embodiments, the knot lacing device comprises one or more apertures therein. The one or more apertures may be configured for threading leftover lace length. For example, if there is additional lace length remaining after a knot is formed with the device, the leftover lace length may be threaded into one or more apertures. This prevents the lace from dragging or flapping around during use. The one or more apertures may lead to the channel of the body section or may lead to a separate cavity. The one or more apertures may be located anywhere on the knot lacing device including the body section, first end, and/or second end. The device may include the one or more apertures in addition to, or in the alternative of, the groove. However, a device may include neither.

In one or more embodiments, the knot lacing device comprises a locking mechanism for securing two or more devices together. That is, the device is provided with a mating device and is provided in a pair. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a ball and socket mechanism where a ball structure on a first device engages and/or frictionally fits within a socket structure on a second device. A knot lacing device may include one or both of a ball and socket structure. In embodiments where the device comprises both the ball and socket structures thereon the device is reversible when coupling a first device to a second device to position the respective ball and socket for coupling. That is, the device can be rotated along the Y axis to couple the device to a second device.

The locking mechanism may prevent separation of the two knot lacing devices during use. However, the locking mechanism may be configured to be disengaged such that the devices can easily be separated and/or removed when desired. A locking mechanism may prevent tangling and bouncing of two or more devices during use. For example, during high intensity exercise. In addition, the locking mechanism may allow two or more devices to be connected such that they mimic a traditional shoelace knot.

It is also contemplated that other commercially available means for securing two or more devices together may be used in accordance with this disclosure. For example, clasps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, etc.

The dimensions of a knot lacing device may vary to accommodate different shoe styles and lace sizes. In one or more embodiments, the length of the device is 30-40 mm. The diameter of the channel may be configured to fit laces of varying sizes. For example, the diameter of the channel may be about 5-12 mm. The height and/or width of each ridge may be 2-5 mm and the spaces between each ridge may be 2-5 mm. That is, 2-5 mm of body section may be exposed between each rotation of the ridge. The ridge may coil around the body section with equal sized spaces between each rotation of the ridge. For example, the ridge may be wrapped around the perimeter of the body section to accommodate just the size of a shoelace between each rotation of the ridge.

The dimensions of the device are adjustable such that the device may be provided with smaller or larger dimensions allowing the device to be used in array of environments where a length of a string, lace, rope, cord, of any type needs to be stored in a controlled and/or wound manner. The device may also function as a lace charm bucket. In addition, the device can be used on apparel or accessories with a lace and/or drawstring including but not limited to shoes, clothing, bags, of the like.

Also described herein is a method of knotting a lace. In one or more embodiments, a first end and length of the lace is threaded through an interior cavity of a knot lacing device wherein the device comprises a body section, a first end, and a second end. For example, a lace is threaded through the first end, to and through the interior cavity, and exits through the second end of the body section.

The lace may be coiled around the exterior of the body section, resting in the groove extending there along. The lace may engage the sides of the ridge as the lace is wrapped around the length of the body section. In one or more embodiments, the lace fits in the groove and rests flush with the height of the ridge along the length of the body section. The ridge and groove may also provide a tight or friction fit such that the lace does not loosen or come undone.

The end of the length of the lace may be threaded through the interior cavity of the body section in a first direction and then wrapped around the length of the body section in generally a second direction, the opposite direction. The end of the lace may then enter the interior cavity a second time in the first direction and may optionally be wound again in the second direction around the body and/or secured with the lace guard. In addition, the lace threading through the interior cavity may be started through the first end or second end of the body section.

In one or more embodiments, the lace engages the lace guard. The lace guard may comprise a notch. The notch may be configured to prevent the lace from loosening or slipping around on the device. For example, the lace may engage a notch before and/or after being threaded through the interior cavity of the body section. Additionally, or alternatively, the lace may engage a notch before or after coiling around the body section.

In one or more embodiments, there may be extra lace leftover after a knot is formed using the device. A knot may include threading the lace through the interior cavity of the body section and/or wrapping the lace around the length of the body section. The extra lace may be threaded into an aperture to avoid tangling or dragging of the extra lace. The aperture may allow the leftover lace to thread back into the interior cavity of the body section or a separate cavity.

In addition, or in the alternative, a lace may be fitted within a groove that extends all or part of the length of the body section. For example, leftover lace may be secured within a groove to prevent tangling or dragging of the extra lace. Lace fixed within the groove may lie flush with the body section and/or the ridge.

It is also contemplated that any extra lace may be threaded back into the interior cavity of the body section through either the first end and/or the second end of the body section. The lace may be threaded back into the interior cavity one or more times such that there is no lace hanging loose and/or dragging.

It is also contemplated that a lace may form one or more knots using the knot lacing device. For example, a lace may be threaded through and coiled on the device one or more times. The lace may be threaded through and/or wrapped around the device several times to avoid any loose lace.

A first knot lacing device may be removably securable to a second knot lacing device. In one or more embodiments, the first and second device may comprise a locking mechanism for securing two or more devices together. The locking mechanism may be configured to be disengaged such that the devices can easily be separated and/or removed when desired. The locking mechanism may prevent tangling and bouncing of the knot lacing devices during use.

In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism is a ball and socket mechanism such that a ball structure on a first device engages a socket structure on a second device. For example, the ball structure may be removably securable within the socket structure. The ball and socket mechanism may prevent separation of the two devices during use.

A knot lacing device may be configured to engage one end of a shoelace. For example, to tie a lace on a traditional shoe, one knot lacing device may be used on each end of the lace such that one shoe would require two knot lacing devices. The two knot lacing devices used on a lace on one shoe may then be connected using a locking mechanism described herein or other means. Alternatively, one knot lacing device may be configured to engage both ends of a shoelace such that only one device is required to tie one shoe.

The device may be developed from high-quality materials to maintain its effectiveness over extended periods of time. In one or more embodiments herein, the device may be comprised of a hard plastic material, a flexible, resilient and rigid material, a material having a coating that reduces a coefficient of friction to aid in retaining the shoelace therein, rubber, silicon, plastics, combinations thereof and like materials. The device may be molded from polyethylene, polypropylene, other plastics, rubber-like materials, silicone, or other materials. Furthermore, the device may be decorated to be attractive to the user. For example, the device may be manufactured or aftermarket designed in a range of colors and finishes. The device may be designed with holiday patterns, multiple colors, sport colors, and franchise colors or images.

In one or more embodiments, the device is an aftermarket device for aftermarket purchase and use. The device may be sold as sets of four, sets of two, or individually. The device is configured to work with any lace and may be easily securable to any shoelace.

A knot lacing device 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. The device 10 has a body section 12 comprising a first end 14, a second end 16, and a channel 18 running therethrough. A ridge 20 is coiled around the perimeter of the body section 12 and along the length of the body section 12. The ridge 20 embodies a helix structure and coils around approximately the full length of the body section 12, terminating in the first end 14 and second end 16.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, the device 10 comprises a groove 22 extending from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the body section 12. The groove 22 provides an indent towards the channel 18 of the body section 12 and the ridge 20 is interrupted at a location of the groove 22, see FIG. 1B. As such, the ridge 20 comprises a plurality of ridges, each ridge 20 starting and ending at groove 22 such that there is no ridge 20 in the groove 22. In other words, the device may comprise a ridge 20, the ridge 20 comprising breaks which define a groove 22. The groove 22 extends generally straight along the length of the body section 12.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the device 10 comprises a notch 24. The notch 24 is located on the second end 16 of the body section 12 and is part of the groove 22. The notch 24 is defined by a break in the body section 12 such that the channel 18 is partially exposed near the second end 16 of the body section 12. Specifically, the notch 24 is defined by a half circle break in the body section 12. The notch 24 may engage a lace 34 to prevent slipping and loosening of the lace 34 and/or knot configuration.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the device 10 comprises an aperture 26 therein. The aperture 26 is located on a first end 14 of the body section 12. The aperture 26 may 26 may be used to thread extra lace to prevent the extra lace 34 from dragging during use.

FIG. 1C illustrates a first end 14 of the body section 12. The first end 14 comprises and opening to the channel 18, which is also referred to as the interior cavity of the body section 12 throughout this disclosure. FIG. 1C illustrates the groove 22, which provides an indent in the body section 12 toward the channel 18.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, a knot lacing device 10 comprises a locking mechanism 28. The locking mechanism 28 comprises a ball 30 (FIG. 2A) and socket 32 (FIG. 2B). The locking mechanism 28 is located at the first end 14 of the body section 12. The ball 30 and socket 32 engage each other to establish a lock such that two devices 10 may be removably secured together. Referring to FIG. 2A, a ball 30 structure is located on a first end 14 of the body section 12. The ball 30 is configured to fit within the socket 32, see FIG. 2B. The socket 32 is also located on a first end 14 of the body section 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, the device 10 comprises a notch 24 at a second end 16 of the body section 12. The notch 24 is defined by a break in the body section 12 such that the channel 18 is partially exposed at or near the second end 16 of the body section 12.

FIG. 2C illustrates the first end 14 of the body section 12. The first end 14 comprises an opening to the channel 18. FIG. 2C further illustrates a device 10 comprising both elements of a locking mechanism 28. The device 10 comprises a ball 30 and socket 32 such that the device 10 may be removably secured to at least two other devices 10. The ball 30 and socket 32 are located on opposite sides of the first end 14.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of using the knot lacing device 10 of one or more embodiments herein. In a first step S1, the lace 34 is threaded through a top hole and the position of the device 10 on the length of the lace 34 can be adjusted by sliding the device to the desired location based on a length of the device and/or desired fit of the shoe. In a second Step S2, the lace 34 is bent into the anglet notch and the device rotated to coil the lace onto the device and into the grooves between the ridges on the device 10. In a third Step S3, once the lace 34 has reached the last groove, any excess lace 34 is threaded through the notch and into the hole. In one or more embodiments, two devices 10 can be connected together and snapped to form a decorative shoelace knotting device as shown at S4.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for knotting or retaining a length of a lace or drawstring comprising: a body section comprising:a first end;a second end;a length extending between the first end and second end;a channel running at least partially along the length;a first opening proximate the first end of the body section; anda second opening proximate the second end of the body; anda threaded exterior along at least a portion of the length extending between the first end and second end.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the threaded exterior comprises a ridge and a groove, wherein the groove extends along at least a portion of the length of the body section.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the groove is an indent in the body section defined by at least one break in the ridge.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the groove extends continuously from the first end to the second end of the body section and the groove connects to each notch and aperture in the body.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a lace or drawstring guard, the lace or drawstring guard comprising a notch, wherein the notch is defined by a break in the body section such that a part of the channel is exposed and wherein the notch retains the lace in the channel and provides a surface of the body for holding the lace or drawstring when the lace or drawstring is inserted back into the channel.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the notch is located within a groove.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising an aperture on the body and the aperture providing an opening to the channel.

8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a ball structure and/or socket structure for engagement with a second device of the same or similar construction.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein adjacent surfaces of the ridge and the groove cooperate to host a length of the lace or drawstring therein.

10. A lace or drawstring knotting or retaining assembly comprising: a first device comprising: a body section comprising a first end and a second end and a length extending therebetween and a channel extending along at least a portion of the length and comprising a first opening proximate the first end of the body section and a second opening proximate the second end of the body;a ridge wrapped around a perimeter of the body section and extending at least partially along the length of the body section; anda ball structure; anda second device comprising a socket structure,wherein the ball structure on the first device engages the socket structure on the second device such that the ball structure fits within the socket structure, andwherein the first device and the second device are secured together by the engagement between the ball and socket structure.

11. A method of knotting or retaining a lace or drawstring comprising: threading a length of lace or drawstring through an interior cavity of a knotting or retaining device in a first direction;turning the lace or drawstring at an outlet of the interior cavity; andwrapping the lace or drawstring around a body of the device in a second direction opposing the first direction; andengaging the lace with a ridge winding along a length of the device such that the lace is wrapped around the body of the device and along a length of the body of the device.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the lace fits tightly between each rotation of the ridge and the lace lies flush with the ridge.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising threading the lace into an aperture.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the lace is threaded back into the interior cavity in the first direction.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising fitting the lace within a groove, wherein the groove extends along the length of the body section.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the groove is an indent in the body section defined by at least one break in the ridge.

17. The method of claim 11 further comprising threading the lace over a notch, wherein the notch is defined by a break in the body section such that a part of the interior cavity is exposed.

18. The method of claim 11 further comprising securing the device, wherein the device is a first device, to a second device.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the first device and the second device are secured together by a ball and socket mechanism.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the first device comprises a ball structure and the second device comprises a socket structure, and wherein the ball structure engages the socket structure to secure the first device to the second device.