FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a plurality of selectively malleable form-holding or pseudo form-holding shoelace designs, suitable for allowing persons with inadequate or unpracticed motor skills to learn or gain the ability to learn to tie their shoes. These shoelace interfaces have applications in special needs markets where learning to tie a shoe was either previously not possible or extremely difficult. They will also have applications in non-special needs children markets, where learning to tie a shoe can be greatly accelerated.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shoelaces have been designed endless times, yet have never been designed in a way that allows persons with inadequate or unpracticed motor skills to greatly accelerate their learning curves to tie them, or gain the ability to learn this basic skill at all. More specifically, the embodiments described herein further allow non-special needs children to have greatly accelerated learning curves with tying their shoes, as holding and handling the laces of these embodiments are substantially less complicated for any persons unfamiliar with the art. The spectrum of motor skills that the shoelace interfaces herein apply to, are substantially broader than the very specific and limited spectrum of motor skills that currently existing shoelaces cater to. This broader attribute of the embodiments described herein, is a substantial gain to a wide range of special needs persons who can barely tie their shoes at all.
Lastly, the functional designs herein may be used with all of the typical aesthetic designs of shoelaces seen today, as to not create a social pressure that may increase a user's odds to feel uncomfortably different or incompetent in front of others.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As such, there is a need for a variety of shoelaces, each with unique malleable conditions that enable users with a variance of below average motor skills to tie their shoes. The present invention is directed toward solutions to address these needs, in addition to having other desirable characteristics that will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present specification.
In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a shoelace interface for providing selective malleability includes a plurality of shoelace and anchoring element designs; the shoelaces having an internal interface for permanently or releasably but securely receiving 1 or more selectively malleable inner cores, that function in tandem with their outer shoelace companion. Furthermore, between any selective malleable inner cores and their outer shoelace companion, may exist an insulating material to keep selective malleable inner cores from accidentally penetrating through their outer shoelace companion, while also giving the shoelace a more ergonomic feel to physically interact with.
Also in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, the shoelace interface includes a flexible elongate housing having a top end, a bottom end substantially opposite the top end, and the flexible elongate housing in-between. A through-hole, inner cavity, or inner cavities, are contained within the housing for permanently or releasably but securely receiving an inner element or elements. A through-hole or inner cavity can have generally a cylindrical shape or collapsible cylindrical shape. The through-hole, inner cavity, or inner cavities, can extend to a surface or surfaces on the housing, in such a way, as to form a first entrance or set of entrances leading into the through-hole, inner cavity or inner cavities. The first entrance typically positioned at the top end of the housing. In some designs, there may be a 2nd entrance, typically positioned at the bottom end of the housing. In some designs, entrances may also be placed at other positions on the other surfaces of the housing. The inner cavity or inner cavities may extend at least partially through or entirely through (a through-hole) the housing. The inner cavity or inner cavities may assume different depth-wise positions within the housing along any axes. The inner cavity or inner cavities may assume different depth-wise volumes within the housing along any axes.
In accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention, one design may contain an inner cavity acting as a through-hole, containing an entrance at both ends of the housing and therefore extending entirely through the housing along its long axis. The inner cavity can include a top cavity portion proximate a top end of the housing and a bottom cavity portion proximate a bottom end of the housing. The first entrance typically positioned at the top end of the housing and the 2nd entrance typically positioned at the bottom end of the housing.
In accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention, another design may contain an inner cavity spanning almost the entire length of the housing along its long axis, further containing an entrance at only one end of the housing. The inner cavity can include a top cavity portion proximate a top end of the housing and a bottom cavity portion proximate a bottom end of the housing, the entrance being typically positioned at the top end of the housing.
In accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention, another design may contain a set of two inner cavities within the housing. The two inner cavities then divided by an uninterrupted volume of the housing in-between, located at the central region of the housing along its long axis. One inner cavity can include a top cavity portion proximate a top end of the housing and a bottom cavity portion proximate a central region of the housing, along its long axis. The entrance typically positioned at the top end of the housing. A 2nd inner cavity can include a bottom cavity portion proximate a bottom end of the housing and a top cavity portion proximate a central region of the housing, along its long axis. The entrance typically positioned at the bottom end of the housing.
Furthermore, anchoring elements will exist for coupling with each entrance of a housing, for maintaining inside any inserted components within inner cavities or through-holes of the housing. Anchoring elements of like designs may also be used, for maintaining selective malleable inner cores within the insulation material that may also be inserted into the housing. An anchoring element can extend partially over or entirely over an entrance and be permanently or releasably but securely coupled to the entrance. An anchoring element may also extend partially through or entirely through the material leading up to an entrance, and be permanently or releasably but securely coupled to the material leading up to the entrance.
Some non-limiting examples of anchoring elements may comprise a friction fit component, glue, a crimp on component, a knot, a sewn thread, Velcro, and a heat shrink-wrap. It is to be noted to one of skill in the art, that many other types of anchoring elements may also provide a sufficient grade of coupling to the entrances of cavities, through-holes, or materials leading up to them.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the figures, in which numerals indicate like references in the description. These and other features will be better understood, in which:
FIG. 1 depicts a variety of typical shoelace styles.
FIG. 2 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of a cross sectional side view, respectively, of a shoelace revealing a through-hole inner cavity spanning the length of the long axis of the lace.
FIG. 3 depicts a top view, respectively, of the shoelace of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view, respectively, of the shoelace of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of a cross sectional side view, respectively, of a shoelace revealing an alternative interior to that of FIG. 2, with a cavity spanning almost the length of the long axis of the lace.
FIG. 6 depicts a top view, respectively, of the shoelace of FIG. 5, with downward perspective into the lace's interior.
FIG. 7 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of a cross sectional side view, respectively, of a shoelace revealing another alternative interior, comprising a set of inner cavities spanning a portion of the length of the long axis of the lace.
FIG. 8 depicts a top view, respectively, of the shoelace of FIG. 7, with downward perspective into the lace's upper inner cavity.
FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view, respectively, of the shoelace of FIG. 7, with upward perspective into the lace's lower inner cavity.
FIG. 10 depicts a variety of alternative entrances, able to lead into any inner cavity design, for example those of FIG. 2, FIG. 5, or FIG. 7.
FIG. 11 depicts disproportionate examples for clarity, of a plurality of non-limiting examples of selectively malleable inner cores, which may range in thickness or greatly range in length along their long axes per application, for being inserted inside shoelace designs, such as those of FIG. 2, FIG. 5, or FIG. 7.
FIG. 12 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of the shoelace design of FIG. 2, containing an inserted selectively malleable inner core from FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of the shoelace design of FIG. 5, containing an inserted selectively malleable inner core from FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of arbitrarily, the top or bottom half of the shoelace design of FIG. 7, containing an inserted selectively malleable inner core from FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of an insulation material, for covering one or more of the selectively malleable inner cores of FIG. 11, which may be inserted into a shoelace inner cavity or through-hole.
FIG. 16 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of an insulation material comprising a stretchable property, for covering one or more of the selectively malleable inner cores of FIG. 11, which may be inserted into a shoelace inner cavity or through-hole.
FIG. 17 arbitrarily depicts a top view or bottom view, respectively, of the insulation material of FIG. 15 or FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of the insulation material of arbitrarily FIG. 15 or FIG. 16, containing a selectively malleable inner core from FIG. 11, maintained inside by anchoring elements.
FIG. 19 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of the insulation material of arbitrarily FIG. 15 or FIG. 16, containing a selectively malleable inner core from FIG. 11, maintained inside by anchoring elements.
FIG. 20 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of the insulation material of arbitrarily FIG. 15 or FIG. 16, containing a selectively malleable inner core from FIG. 11, maintained inside by anchoring elements.
FIG. 21 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of the shoelace design of FIG. 2, containing the insulation material with the selected and inserted malleable inner core companion of FIG. 18.
FIG. 22 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of the shoelace design of FIG. 5, containing the insulation material with the selected and inserted malleable inner core companion of FIG. 19.
FIG. 23 depicts a disproportionate example for clarity, of arbitrarily the top or bottom half of the shoelace design of FIG. 7, containing the insulation material with the selected and inserted malleable inner core companion of FIG. 20.
FIG. 24 depicts an anchoring element coupled to an arbitrary entrance of the shoelace design of FIG. 12, maintaining any components inside.
FIG. 25 depicts an anchoring element coupled to the material leading up to an arbitrary entrance of the right-most shoelace style of FIG. 1, maintaining any components inside.
FIG. 26 depicts a top view, respectively, of the shoelace style of FIG. 25, revealing an opened through-hole or inner cavity region, which is shown coupled together by the anchoring element in FIG. 25. In this figure, FIG. 26, the inner cavity region is not coupled together for clarity, demonstrating that although this shoelace style appears different and has tassels, it can still be comprised of the shoelace interfaces herein.
FIG. 27 depicts the shoelace design of FIG. 2 or FIG. 5, containing a malleable inner core spanning most or all of the length of the shoelace along its long axis. FIG. 27 also depicts the shoelace bent at different positions and maintaining these pre-bent positions. For purposes of clarity about the invention, the shoelace is shown balanced and resting on a surface with its form being held along a vertical plane, further emphasizing the inventions' structural properties.
FIG. 28 depicts the shoelace design of FIG. 7, containing malleable inner cores spanning parts of the length of the shoelace but having no presence in the central region of the shoelace, along its long axis. FIG. 27 also depicts the shoelace bent at different positions and maintaining these pre-bent positions, except at its central region, which is collapsed by gravity, due to the uninterrupted volume of the flexible elongate housing at its central region. For purposes of clarity about the invention, the shoelace is shown balanced and resting on a surface with its form being held along a vertical plane, further emphasizing the inventions' structural properties.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1 through 28, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals and alphanumerics throughout, illustrate example embodiments of a shoelace interface according to the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the example embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that many alternative forms embody the present invention. One of skill in the art will additionally appreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodiments disclosed, such as the size, shape, or type of elements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 depicts a variety of typical shoelace styles, the right-most one containing stylistic tassels.
FIG. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of a shoelace interface housing 1a at its center along its long axis. The housing 1a revealing a through-hole inner cavity 5a spanning the length of the long axis of the lace. The housing 1a further comprising of a top end having an entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a. The housing 1a further comprising of a bottom end substantially opposite the top end, having an entrance 6b leading into the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a. FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the shoelace interface housing 1a of FIG. 2, again revealing its through-hole inner cavity 5a and entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a. FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the shoelace interface housing 1a of FIG. 2, again revealing its through-hole inner cavity 5a and entrance 6b leading into the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a.
FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a shoelace interface housing 1b at its center along its long axis. The housing 1b revealing an inner cavity 5a spanning almost the length of the long axis of the lace. The housing 1b further comprising of a top end having an entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1b inner cavity 5a. The inner cavity 5a having a top portion proximate a top end of the housing 1b and a bottom portion proximate a bottom end of the housing 1b, the top end substantially opposite the bottom end. The bottom portion of the inner cavity 5a ending before the bottom end of the housing 1b, by encountering an uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1b at its bottom end region. FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the shoelace interface housing 1b of FIG. 5, with downward perspective into the lace's interior, revealing its inner cavity 5a, entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1b inner cavity 5a, and uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1b at its bottom end region.
FIG. 7 depicts a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a shoelace interface housing 1c at its center along its long axis. The housing 1c revealing a set of 2 inner cavities within the housing 1c, an upper inner cavity 5a and a lower inner cavity 5b. The upper inner cavity 5a and the lower inner cavity 5b, being divided by an uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c in-between, located at the central region of the housing 1c along its long axis. The upper inner cavity 5a having a top portion proximate a top end of the housing 1c and a bottom portion proximate a central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis, the top end substantially opposite the central region. The bottom portion of the upper inner cavity 5a ending proximate the central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis, by encountering an uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c at its central region. The housing 1c further comprising of an entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1c upper inner cavity 5a at the housing's 1c top end. The lower inner cavity 5b having a bottom portion proximate a bottom end of the housing 1c and a top portion proximate a central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis, the bottom end substantially opposite the central region. The top portion of the lower inner cavity 5b ending proximate the central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis, by encountering an uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c at its central region along its long axis. The housing 1c further comprising of an entrance 6b leading into the housing's 1c lower inner cavity 5b at the housing's 1c bottom end. FIG. 8 depicts a top view of the shoelace interface housing 1c of FIG. 7, with downward perspective into the lace's interior, revealing its upper inner cavity 5a, entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1c upper inner cavity 5a, and uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c at its central region. FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of the shoelace interface housing 1c of FIG. 7, with upward perspective into the lace's interior, revealing its lower inner cavity 5b, entrance 6b leading into the housing's 1c lower inner cavity 5b, and uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c at its central region.
FIG. 10 depicts examples of alternate entrances that may lead into any inner cavity or through-hole embodiment. FIG. 10 may further depict any shoelace interface housing 1a, 1b, 1c represented herein, as any entrances 6c, 6d, 6e can access any inner cavity or through-hole embodiments in a similar fashion. Entrance 6c represents an entrance for leading into an inner cavity, being positioned toward the top end on a side of the housing 1a, 1b, 1c further depicted with an elongated opening going down the side of the housing 1a, 1b, 1c along its long axis. Entrance 6d represents an entrance for leading into an inner cavity, being positioned toward the central region of the housing along its long axis, of a side of the housing 1a, 1b, 1c further depicted with a non-elongated opening. Entrance 6e represents an entrance for leading into an inner cavity, being positioned toward the central region of the bottom half of the housing 1a, 1b, 1c along its long axis, further depicted with a non-elongated but wider opening.
FIG. 11 depicts a variety of selectively malleable inner core embodiments, representing a multitude of non-limiting examples of methods in which various malleable states can be achieved. A selectively malleable inner core 50a represents an elongate malleable form such as that of a wire, in the approximate shape of a line. A selectively malleable inner core 50b represents an elongate malleable form such as that of a wire, in the approximate shape of an elongated ‘U’. A selectively malleable inner core 50c represents an elongate malleable form such as that of a wire, in the approximate shape of an elongated ‘N’. A selectively malleable inner core 50d represents an elongate malleable form such as that of a wire, in the approximate shape of an elongated ‘W’. A selectively malleable inner core 50e represents an elongate malleable form such as that of a wire, in the approximate shape of an elongated and substantially twisted ‘U’. A selectively malleable inner core 50f represents an elongate malleable form such as that of a wire, in the approximate shape of an elongated and incrementally twisted ‘U’. A selectively malleable inner core 50g represents an elongate malleable form such as that of a wire, in the approximate shape of a substantial series of coils. A selectively malleable inner core 50h represents an elongate malleable form such as that of a wire, in the approximate shape of an incrementally crimped line. The selectively malleable inner cores 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f, 50g, 50h could comprise of various materials, each yielding unique malleable properties, such as that of aluminum relative to copper, plastic, rubber, or a composite of materials, as non-limiting examples. Furthermore, the selectively malleable inner cores 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f, 50g, 50h and their various structural properties, could be used in combination for also achieving a variety of specific malleable ranges. Furthermore, two or more instances of any selectively malleable inner core 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f, 50g, 50h could be used in tandem for insertion into any inner cavity to alternatively achieve a variety of selective malleable ranges. One of skill in the art may find further alternative methods for manipulating wire-like forms or composites for also achieving a variety of selective malleable ranges. In some cases, a selectively malleable inner core may be an insulation material, see FIG. 15-FIG. 17, if comprised of appropriate malleability ranges per application. Furthermore, a selectively malleable inner core may be the actual shoelace material itself, negating the need for modulated designs. In this instance, the shoelace material itself would comprise of a selective, malleable specific, unibody embodiment. Different ranges of selective, malleable specific, unibody shoelaces could then be tailored to the different ranges of unique motor skills. Furthermore, as non-limiting examples, a colored, valued, numeric, Roman numeral, alphabetic, or alphanumeric numbering system, could then be used to match a specific range of motor skill ability to a selective, malleable specific shoelace companion.
FIG. 12 depicts a cross sectional view of the shoelace interface housing 1a of FIG. 2, at its center along its long axis. The housing 1a revealing the through-hole inner cavity 5a spanning most of or all of the length of the long axis of the lace. The housing 1a further comprising of the top end having the entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a. The housing 1a further comprising of the bottom end substantially opposite the top end, having the entrance 6b leading into the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a. Furthermore, the housing 1a containing the malleable inner core 50a spanning most or all of the length of the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a.
FIG. 13 depicts a cross sectional view of the shoelace interface housing 1b of FIG. 5, at its center along its long axis. The housing 1b revealing the inner cavity 5a spanning almost the length of the long axis of the lace. The housing 1b further comprising of the top end having the entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1b inner cavity 5a. The inner cavity 5a having the top portion proximate the top end of the housing 1b and the bottom portion proximate the bottom end of the housing 1b, the top end substantially opposite the bottom end. The bottom portion of the inner cavity 5a, ending before the bottom end of the housing 1b, by encountering an uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1b at its bottom end region. Furthermore, the housing 1b containing the selectively malleable inner core 50e spanning most of or all of the length of the housing's 1b inner cavity 5a.
FIG. 14 depicts a cross sectional view of half of the shoelace interface housing 1c for clarity of FIG. 7, at its center along its long axis. The half depiction of the housing 1c, can be represented as either the top half or bottom half of the housing 1c, along its long axis, being indicated by reference to its alphanumeric top half constituents 5a and 6a, or bottom half constituents 5b and 6b. The housing 1c revealing the set of 2 inner cavities 5a, 5b within the housing 1c, the upper inner cavity 5a and the lower inner cavity 5b. The upper inner cavity 5a and the lower inner cavity 5b, being divided by the uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c in-between, located at the central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis.
The upper inner cavity 5a having the top portion proximate the top end of the housing 1c and the bottom portion proximate the central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis, the top end substantially opposite the central region. The bottom portion of the upper inner cavity 5a, ending proximate the central region of the housing 1c by encountering the uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c at its central region. The housing 1c further comprising the entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1c upper inner cavity 5a at the housing's 1c top end. Furthermore, the housing 1c containing the selectively malleable inner core 50e spanning most of or all of the length of the housing's 1c inner cavity 5a.
The lower inner cavity 5b, entrance 6b, and shoelace interface housing 1c, in this instance are being represented upside down as they are extremely similar to FIG. 14's prior depiction, containing an upper inner cavity 5a, entrance 6a, and shoelace interface housing 1c.
The lower inner cavity 5b having the bottom portion proximate the bottom end of the housing 1c and the top portion proximate the central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis, the bottom end substantially opposite the central region. The top portion of the lower inner cavity 5b ending proximate the central region of the housing 1c, by encountering the uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c, at its central region. The housing 1c further comprising the entrance 6b leading into the housing's 1c lower inner cavity 5b at the housing's 1c bottom end. Furthermore, the housing 1c containing the selectively malleable inner core 50e spanning most of or all of the length of the housing's 1c inner cavity 5b.
FIG. 15 depicts an insulation material 100a, that is arbitrarily translucent, comprising of a through-hole inner cavity 101, along its long axis. FIG. 16 depicts a stretchable insulation material 100a, that is arbitrarily translucent, comprising of a through-hole inner cavity 101, along its long axis. FIG. 17 depicts a top view or bottom view, arbitrarily, of the insulation or stretchable insulation material 100a and through-hole inner cavity 101.
FIG. 18 depicts an insulation package 100b, comprising an insulation material 100a maintaining any selectively malleable inner cores 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f, 50g, 50h inside by anchoring elements 200. In this example of FIG. 18, the anchoring elements 200 are the insulation material 100a, which are manipulated into a function of knots 200 at the insulation materials 100a most-opposing ends along its long axis, further acting as non-limiting examples of anchoring elements 200. The selectively malleable inner core 50g in this example, being the approximate shape of a substantial series of coils and comprising of a selective gauge of thickness per application. FIG. 19 depicts an insulation package 100b, comprising an insulation material 100a maintaining any selectively malleable inner cores 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f, 50g, 50h inside by anchoring elements 200. In this example, the anchoring elements 200 represent a separate crimp on or friction fit component and further being non-limiting examples of anchoring elements 200. The selective malleable inner core 50b in this example, being the approximate shape of an elongated ‘U’ and comprising of a selective gauge of thickness per application. FIG. 20 depicts an insulation package 100b, comprising an insulation material 100a maintaining any malleable inner cores 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f, 50g, 50h inside by anchoring elements 200. In this example, the anchoring elements 200 represent a glue being internally placed in the most-opposing ends of the insulation material 100a, along its long axis, and further being non-limiting examples of anchoring elements 200. The selectively malleable inner core 50h in this example, being an incrementally crimped wire and comprising of a selective gauge of thickness per application.
FIG. 21 depicts the cross sectional view of the shoelace interface housing 1a of FIG. 2, at its center along its long axis. The housing 1a revealing the through-hole inner cavity 5a spanning the length of the long axis of the lace. The housing 1a further comprising of the top end having the entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a. The housing 1a further comprising of the bottom end substantially opposite the top end, having the entrance 6b leading into the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a. Furthermore, the housing 1a containing the insulation package 100b of FIG. 18 inside its through-hole inner cavity 5a. The insulation package 100b, further spanning most or all of the length of the housing's 1a through-hole inner cavity 5a.
FIG. 22 depicts the cross sectional view of the shoelace interface housing 1b of FIG. 5, at its center along its long axis. The housing 1b revealing the inner cavity 5a spanning almost the length of the long axis of the lace. The housing 1b further comprising of the top end having the entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1b inner cavity 5a. The inner cavity 5a having the top portion proximate the top end of the housing 1b and the bottom portion proximate the bottom end of the housing 1b, the top end substantially opposite the bottom end. The bottom portion of the inner cavity 5a ending before the bottom end of the housing 1b, by encountering an uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1b at its bottom end region. Furthermore, the housing 1b containing the insulation package 100b of FIG. 19 inside its through-hole inner cavity 5a. The insulation package 100b, further spanning most or all of the length of the housing's 1b through-hole inner cavity 5a.
FIG. 23 depicts a cross sectional view of half of the shoelace interface housing 1c for clarity of FIG. 7, at its center along its long axis. The half depiction of the housing 1c, can be represented as either the top half or bottom half of the housing 1c, being indicated by reference to its alphanumeric top half constituents 5a and 6a, or its bottom half constituents 5b and 6b. The housing 1c revealing the set of 2 inner cavities within the housing 1c, the upper inner cavity 5a and the lower inner cavity 5b. The upper inner cavity 5a and the lower inner cavity 5b, being divided by the uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c in-between, located at the central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis.
The upper inner cavity 5a having the top portion proximate the top end of the housing 1c and the bottom portion proximate the central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis, the top end substantially opposite the central region. The bottom portion of the upper inner cavity 5a ending proximate the central region of the housing 1c, by encountering the uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c at its central region. The housing 1c further comprising the entrance 6a leading into the housing's 1c upper inner cavity 5a at the housing's 1c top end. Furthermore, the housing 1c containing the insulation package 100b of FIG. 20 inside its upper inner cavity 5a. The insulation package 100b, further spanning most of or all of the length of the housing's 1c upper inner cavity 5a.
The lower inner cavity 5b, entrance 6b, and shoelace interface housing 1c, in this instance, being represented upside down as they are extremely similar to FIG. 23's prior depiction, containing an upper inner cavity 5a, entrance 6a, and shoelace interface housing 1c.
The lower inner cavity 5b having the bottom portion proximate the bottom end of the housing 1c and the top portion proximate the central region of the housing 1c, along its long axis, the bottom end substantially opposite the central region. The top portion of the lower inner cavity 5b ending proximate the central region of the housing 1c, by encountering the uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c at its central region. The housing 1c further comprising the entrance 6b leading into the housing's 1c lower inner cavity 5b at the housing's 1c bottom end. Furthermore, the housing 1c containing the insulation package 100b of FIG. 20 inside its lower inner cavity 5b. The insulation package 100b, further spanning most of or all of the length of the housing's 1c lower inner cavity 5b.
FIG. 24 depicts a non-limiting example of an anchoring element 200, representing a separate crimp on or friction fit component 200, for maintaining any selectively malleable inner cores or insulation packages inside a shoelace interface housing 1a, 1b, 1c. FIG. 25 depicts a shoelace interface housing 1a, 1b, 1c of the right-most shoelace style of FIG. 1, comprising a non-limiting example of an anchoring element 200, representing a sewn thread component 200, for maintaining any selectively malleable inner cores or insulation packages inside the housing 1a, 1b, 1c. FIG. 25 further depicts stylistic tassels 30 attached to the top end of the housing 1a, 1b, 1c. It is to be noted to one of skill in the art, that many other types of anchoring elements may also provide an equivalent and sufficient quality of coupling to the entrances of cavities or through-holes. FIG. 26 depicts a top view of the top end of the right-most shoelace style of FIG. 1 from FIG. 25, revealing stylistic tassels 30, a through-hole or inner cavity 5a, and entrance 6a leading into the shoelace interface housing's 1a, 1b, 1c through-hole or inner cavity 5a.
FIG. 27 depicts an arbitrary surface 400 and a final non-limiting embodiment of the invention 300 representing the shoelace interface housing 1a or 1b, which function in a similar fashion. FIG. 27 depicts an unusual and unintended use of the invention for clarity, in which the invention is shown temporarily bent at different angles while being balanced across a vertical plane on an arbitrary surface 400, such as that of a book, tabletop, or floor. As a shoelace interface housing embodiment, such as that of 1a or 1b, contain 1 or more malleable inner cores spanning most of or all of the length of the housing along their long axes, the final non-limiting embodiment of the invention 300 is shown able to hold its own form and weight against the demands of gravity upon it. In other final non-limiting embodiments of the invention 300, the specifically engineered selective malleabilities of the final invention 300, may range to different form-maintaining strengths between that of the shoelace herein in FIG. 27, and weaker strengths migrating down toward but substantially greater than those of solely fabric shoelaces. Therefore, final inventions 300, may provide other malleable ranges within a spectrum lesser than that of the range represented by the shoelace of FIG. 27, but substantially greater than those of the ranges of typical, floppy, gravity prone shoelaces. These lesser ranges describing other embodiments of final inventions 300, that unlike that of the final invention 300 of FIG. 27, would slowly fall down toward gravity somewhat loosing their fixed forms, or more rapidly fall down toward gravity while more aggressively loosing their fixed forms, dependent upon their specifically designed malleabilities per motor skill range requirements of their applications.
FIG. 28 depicts an arbitrary surface 400 and a final non-limiting embodiment of the invention 301 representing the shoelace interface housing 1c. FIG. 28 depicts an unusual and unintended use of the invention for clarity, in which the invention is shown temporarily bent at different angles while being balanced across a vertical plane on an arbitrary surface 400, such as that of a book, tabletop, or floor. Further observe, that the vertically balanced shoelace interface housing 1c is collapsed at its central region, along its long axis, due its uninterrupted volume 10 of the housing 1c where no selectively malleable inner cores may exist, unlike that of the embodiment in FIG. 27.
As a shoelace interface housing embodiment, such as that of 1c, contain 1 or more selectively malleable inner cores spanning most or all of the length of their relative inner cavities, along their shoelaces long axes, the final non-limiting embodiment of the invention 301 is shown able to hold its own form and weight against the demands of gravity upon it, aside from its pre-described central region. In other final non-limiting embodiments of the invention 301, the specifically engineered selective malleabilities of the final invention 301, may range to different form-maintaining strengths between that of the shoelace herein in FIG. 28, and weaker strengths migrating down toward but substantially greater than those of solely fabric shoelaces. Therefore, final inventions 301 may provide other malleability ranges lesser than that of the range represented by the shoelace of FIG. 28, but substantially greater than those of the ranges of typical, floppy, gravity prone shoelaces. These lesser ranges describing other embodiments of final inventions 301, that unlike that of the final invention 301 of FIG. 28, would slowly fall down toward gravity somewhat loosing their fixed forms, or more rapidly fall down toward gravity while more aggressively loosing their fixed forms, dependent upon their specifically designed malleabilities per motor skill range requirements of their applications.
Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. It is intended that the present invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Patent Application
20160295970
