No bow lace loopers

Abstract

A shoe lace securement system has a pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms. Each of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms has a spool having a pair of circular discs connected together, wherein inward facing walls of each of the pair of circular discs have a plurality of protrusions. A hollow tube connects the pair of circular discs. A conduit is attached to an upper rear area of the shoe. A stretchable strap is inserted in the conduit. A cap member is attached to each end of the stretchable strap. A pair of securing clasps are provided, each of the securing clasps comprises a tubular member having a hollow interior, the tubular member cut along a first horizontal edge through the hollow interior to a second horizontal edge, the tubular member hingly coupled at the second horizontal edge; a first opening formed through a top surface of the tubular member and in the hollow interior, and a second opening formed through a bottom surface of the tubular member and in the hollow interior.

Claims

1. A shoe lace securement system comprising: a pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms, one of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms attached to an upper wall of a shoe on opposing sides of the shoe, wherein each of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms comprises: a spool having a pair of circular discs connected together, wherein inward facing walls of each of the pair of circular discs have a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions on a first circular disc of the pair of circular discs align with a plurality of protrusions on a second circular disc of the pair of circular discs; and a hollow tube centrally located on the pair of circular discs and connecting the pair of circular discs; a conduit attached to an upper rear area of the shoe; a stretchable strap inserted in the conduit; a cap member attached to each end of the stretchable strap; and a pair of securing clasps, wherein each of the securing clasp comprises: a tubular member having a hollow interior, the tubular member cut along a first horizontal edge through the hollow interior to a second horizontal edge, the tubular member hingedly coupled at the second horizontal edge; a first opening formed through a top surface of the tubular member and in communication with the hollow interior, and a second opening formed through a bottom surface of the tubular member and in communication with the hollow interior; wherein each end of a shoe lace runs through a respective one of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanism on each side of the shoe and secured between the plurality of protrusions on the first circular disc and the plurality of protrusions on the second circular disc and into the first opening of the tubular member of a respective securing clasp, the respective securing clasp securing a respective end of the shoe lace within securing clasp when the securing clasp is closed; wherein each end of the stretchable strap runs through the second opening of the tubular member of a respective securing clasp, the respective securing clasp securing a respective end of the stretchable strap within securing clasp when the securing clasp is closed.

2. The shoe lace securement system of claim 1, wherein the conduit is formed of a flexible material.

3. The shoe lace securement system of claim 1, wherein the conduit is attached to an upper rear surface area of the shoe and aligned with the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms.

4. The shoe lace securement system of claim 1, wherein the conduit extends around a circumference of a heel of the shoe.

5. The shoe lace securement system of claim 1, wherein tubular member has a flat rear surface.

6. The shoe lace securement system of claim 1, comprising a latch formed on the first horizontal edge of the tubular member.

7. The shoe lace securement system of claim 6, wherein the latch comprises: a male tab formed on a first surface of the first horizontal edge; and a female channel formed on a second surface of the first horizontal edge opposing the first surface, the female channel aligned with the male tab when the securing clasp is closed.

8. The shoe lace securement system of claim 1, wherein pulling and rotating the pair of securing clasps clockwise tightens the shoe lace within the shoe, the stretchable strap maintaining a desired level of tension in the shoe lace.

9. A shoe lace securement system comprising: a pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms, one of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms attached to an upper wall of a shoe on opposing sides of the shoe, wherein each of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms comprises: a spool having a pair of circular discs connected together, wherein inward facing walls of each of the pair of circular discs have a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions on a first circular disc of the pair of circular discs align with a plurality of protrusions on a second circular disc of the pair of circular discs; and a hollow tube centrally located on the pair of circular discs and connecting the pair of circular discs; a conduit attached to an upper rear area of the shoe and aligned with the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms, the conduit extending around a circumference of a heel of the shoe; a stretchable strap inserted in the conduit; a cap member attached to each end of the stretchable strap; and a pair of securing clasps, wherein each of the securing clasp comprises: a tubular member having a hollow interior, the tubular member cut along a first horizontal edge through the hollow interior to a second horizontal edge, the tubular member hingedly coupled at the second horizontal edge; a latch formed on the first horizontal edge of the tubular member for locking the tubular member in a closed position and unlocking the tubular member to open the tubular member, a first opening formed through a top surface of the tubular member and in communication with the hollow interior, and a second opening formed through a bottom surface of the tubular member and in communication with the hollow interior; wherein each end of a shoe lace runs through a respective one of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanism on each side of the shoe and secured between the plurality of protrusions on the first circular disc and the plurality of protrusions on the second circular disc and into the first opening of the tubular member of a respective securing clasp, the respective securing clasp securing a respective end of the shoe lace within securing clasp when the securing clasp is closed; wherein each end of the stretchable strap runs through the second opening of the tubular member of a respective securing clasp, the respective securing clasp securing a respective end of the stretchable strap within securing clasp when the securing clasp is closed.

10. The shoe lace securement system of claim 9, wherein the conduit is formed of a flexible material.

11. The shoe lace securement system of claim 9, wherein tubular member has a flat rear surface.

12. The shoe lace securement system of claim 9, wherein the latch comprises: a male tab formed on a first surface of the first horizontal edge; and a female channel formed on a second surface of the first horizontal edge opposing the first surface, the female channel aligned with the male tab when the securing clasp is closed.

13. The shoe lace securement system of claim 9, wherein pulling and rotating the pair of securing clasps clockwise tightens the shoe lace within the shoe, the stretchable strap maintaining a desired level of tension in the shoe lace.

14. A shoe lace securement system comprising: a pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms, one of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms attached to an upper wall of a shoe on opposing sides of the shoe, wherein each of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms comprises: a spool having a pair of circular discs connected together, wherein inward facing walls of each of the pair of circular discs have a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions on a first circular disc of the pair of circular discs align with a plurality of protrusions on a second circular disc of the pair of circular discs; and a hollow tube centrally located on the pair of circular discs and connecting the pair of circular discs; a conduit attached to an upper rear area of the shoe and aligned with the pair of shoe lace securing mechanisms, the conduit extending around a circumference of a heel of the shoe and formed of a flexible material; a stretchable strap inserted in the conduit; a cap member attached to each end of the stretchable strap; and a pair of securing clasps, wherein each of the securing clasp comprises: a tubular member having a hollow interior, the tubular member cut along a first horizontal edge through the hollow interior to a second horizontal edge, the tubular member hingedly coupled at the second horizontal edge; a latch formed on the first horizontal edge of the tubular member for locking the tubular member in a closed position and unlocking the tubular member to open the tubular member, a first opening formed through a top surface of the tubular member and in communication with the hollow interior, and a second opening formed through a bottom surface of the tubular member and in communication with the hollow interior, wherein each end of a shoe lace runs through a respective one of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanism on each side of the shoe and secured between the plurality of protrusions on the first circular disc and the plurality of protrusions on the second circular disc and into the first opening of the tubular member of a respective securing clasp, the respective securing clasp securing a respective end of the shoe lace within securing clasp when the securing clasp is closed; wherein each end of the stretchable strap runs through the second opening of the tubular member of a respective securing clasp, the respective securing clasp securing a respective end of the stretchable strap within securing clasp when the securing clasp is closed; wherein pulling and rotating the pair of securing clasps clockwise tightens the shoe lace within the shoe, the stretchable strap maintaining a desired level of tension in the shoe lace.

15. The shoe lace securement system of claim 14, wherein tubular member has a flat rear surface.

16. The shoe lace securement system of claim 14, wherein the latch comprises: a male tab formed on a first surface of the first horizontal edge; and a female channel formed on a second surface of the first horizontal edge opposing the first surface, the female channel aligned with the male tab when the securing clasp is closed.

17. The shoe lace securement system of claim 16, comprising: a conduit attached to an upper rear area of the shoe; a stretchable strap inserted in the conduit; a cap member attached to each end of the stretchable strap; and a pair of securing clasps, wherein each of the securing clasp comprises: a tubular member having a hollow interior, the tubular member cut along a first horizontal edge through the hollow interior to a second horizontal edge, the tubular member hingedly coupled at the second horizontal edge; a first opening formed through a top surface of the tubular member and in communication with the hollow interior; and a second opening formed through a bottom surface of the tubular member and in communication with the hollow interior, wherein each end of a shoe lace runs through a respective one of the pair of shoe lace securing mechanism on each side of the shoe and secured between the plurality of protrusions on the first circular disc and the plurality of protrusions on the second circular disc and into the first opening of the tubular member of a respective securing clasp, the respective securing clasp securing a respective end of the shoe lace within securing clasp when the securing clasp is closed; wherein each end of the stretchable strap runs through the second opening of the tubular member of a respective securing clasp, the respective securing clasp securing a respective end of the stretchable strap within securing clasp when the securing clasp is closed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) An embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:

(2) FIG. 1: is a side perspective view of the shoe lace securement mechanism with the spool, the threading piece with locking mechanism, the cap piece, and an ornamental casing.

(3) FIG. 2: is a front exploded view of the shoe lace securement mechanism with the spool, the threading piece with locking mechanism, the cap piece, and an ornamental casing.

(4) FIG. 3: is a perspective view of the shoe lace securement mechanism with the threading piece with locking mechanism inserted through the spool.

(5) FIG. 4: is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lace securement system using the shoe lace securement mechanism of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective of an exemplary embodiment of a securing mechanism in a closed position used in the lace securement system of FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 is a top perspective of an exemplary embodiment of the securing mechanism of FIG. 5 in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the securing mechanism of FIG. 6 in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the securing mechanism of FIG. 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 9: is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the lace securement system of FIG. 4 tightening shoe laces in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION

(11) The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

(12) FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of the shoe lace securement mechanism with the spool 1, the threading piece with locking mechanism 2, and the cap piece 3, and an ornamental casing 4. All elements listed in a certain embodiment are modular and not specific to all embodiments of the present invention.

(13) A certain embodiment of a lace securement mechanism includes a spool 1 comprised of two disc-shaped edges 15 connected via a centrally located hollow tube 9. The hollow tube 9 is configured to accept a central protrusion 7 from the threading piece 2 with locking mechanism 2A. The hollow tube 9 permits passage of the central protrusion 7 of the threading piece 2 only when properly aligned. A plurality of radially located protrusions 5 are interspersed equidistantly on the inward facing walls 15A of each disc shaped edge 15 of the spool 1. These protrusions 5 are of variable shape and are designed to increase the compressive force against the shoe lace as it is wrapped around the spool 1. Additionally, these protrusions 5 can be configured to have a rough exterior to increase friction with the shoe lace as torque is inadvertently applied to the shoe laces. Each protrusion 5 is aligned with its sister protrusion on the opposing inward facing wall 15A of the disc shaped edges 15 but leaves sufficient space to permit a shoe lace to penetrate to the hollow central tube of the spool 1 when sufficient force is manually applied by the user. The outward facing wall 15B of the disc-shaped edge 15 contains a circular depression and two vertical protrusions 12 in the center where the hollow tube 9 emerges to prevent the rotation of the cap piece 3 when affixed to the distal end 14 of the threading piece 2.

(14) The threading piece 2 with locking mechanism 2A is comprised of a disc shaped piece and a solid protrusion 7 extending perpendicular to the disc shaped piece. The solid protrusion 7 is configured to traverse the hollow tube of the spool 1 only when properly aligned. The distal end of the protrusion 14 provides for a locking mechanism whereby the protrusion 7 is shaped as a rectangle or other suitable shape with an indentation configured to receive a male insertion component from the cap piece 3. Once the distal end of the protrusion 14 emerged from the centrally located hollow tube of the spool 1, it can be rotated approximately ninety degrees to prevent the protrusion 7 from slipping back through the hollow tube 9. The threading piece 2 will be secured to the spool 1 via a flexible material 6 that will run from the side facing wall of the disc shaped edge 15 closest to the shoe to the side wall of the threading piece. This strap 6 will prevent rotation of the device of more than one rotation by physical contact with the shoe lace.

(15) The cap piece 3 is comprised of configured shape to fit in the depression 18 on the outward facing wall 15B of the spool 1 such as the ovular shaped piece with crescent indentations to be placed on top of the distal end of the protrusion 14 when it has traversed the hollow tube of the spool 1. A centrally located male insertion piece 16 rises from the inward facing wall of the cap piece 3 fits into a female receptor 17 of the distal end of the protrusion. Once mated, any torque applied to the threading piece 2 will be transferred to the cap piece 3 which prevents rotation by contact with two vertical protrusions 12 on the outward facing disc-shaped circular depression. The cap piece 3 may be secured to the spool 1 via a flexible material that will run from the outer facing wall 15B of the disc shaped edge 15 closest to the shoe.

(16) The ornamental casing 4 will be affixed to the outer facing wall of the spool 1 with a central depression to permit the cap piece to mate with the distal end of the protrusion. The ornamental casing will be comprised of a translucent plastic and will contain a plurality of light-emitting diodes 11 (“LED”) and a power source 10. The plurality of LEDs 11 can be variably configured to illuminate a logo, character, number, symbol, or image affixed to the surface of the ornamental casing as required. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of LEDs 11 can be illuminated in different colors or at varying intervals. The LEDs can be activated by a switch 8 or other common activation method located on the ornamental casing 4.

(17) A present and primary embodiment envisions usage by placing the threading piece with locking mechanism 2 on the inside of a shoe at the highest located aperture configured to receive a shoe lace. The spool 1 is placed on the opposing side of the same aperture. The threading piece 2 is fed through the aperture of the shoe and the spool 1. The threading piece 2 is then rotated ninety degrees. The cap piece 3 is then placed on the distal end of the protrusion 7. The same process is repeated on the opposite side of the shoe with a second device.

(18) A user will then manually tighten the shoe laces to the desired tension level. At the desired tension level, a user will align the shoe lace with the spool 1 and begin to wrap the shoe laces around the spool 1 in a circular motion. The surface friction of the laces on the spool 1 will prevent any loss of tension in the shoe lace. Additionally, the radially dispersed protrusions 5 on the inner facing walls of the spool 1 will add additional friction by keeping the shoe lace compressed around the spool.

(19) Referring to FIGS. 4-9, a lace securement system 20 may be seen. The lace securement system 20 may use the lace securement mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-3. The lace securement system 20 may incorporate the lace securement mechanism into a shoe 22. The lace securement mechanism may be placed by a manufacturer at the highest aperture on the wall 24 of the shoe 22 on each side of the shoe 22.

(20) In the present embodiment, in the lace securement mechanism, instead of placing a removable cap 3 on the protrusion 7 of the threading piece 2, the threading piece 2 can be integrated into the side wall of the shoe 22 via sewing or molding techniques commonly known in the art. As a result of this integration, the flexible material 6, shown in FIGS. 1-3, that runs from the side facing wall of the disc shaped edge closest to the shoe 22 to the side wall of the threading piece is not required.

(21) In addition to the lace securement mechanism positioned on each side of the shoe 22, the lace securement system 20 may have a conduit 26. The conduit 26 may be attached to an upper rear section of the shoe 22. In accordance with one embodiment, the conduit 26 may be comprised of flexible material affixed to the rear of a heel area of the shoe 22. The conduit 26 may extend a circumference of the heel area and vertically aligned with the lace securement mechanism.

(22) The lace securement system 20 may have a securing clasp 28 affixed to the heel of the shoe laterally located to the lace securement mechanism. The securing clasp 28 may be comprised of a tubular member 30. The tubular member 30 may have a flat rear surface 30A. The tubular member 30 may be cut along a horizontal axis allowing the tubular member 30 to be open and to expose a hollow interior area 32 of the tubular member 30. The tubular member 30 may be cut along a first horizontal edge 301 of the tubular member 30 and through the tubular member 30 while allowing a second horizontal edge 302 opposite of the first horizontal edge 301 to remain connected. This may allow the tubular member 30 to be hinged along the second horizontal edge 302.

(23) A latch mechanism 34 may be formed a first horizontal edge 301 of the tubular member 30. The latch mechanism 34 may be used to secure and release the tubular member 30 in an open and closed positions. In the present embodiment, the latch mechanism 34 may be formed of a male tab member 34A and a female channel 34B. The male tab member 34A may be formed on a first surface of the first horizontal edge 301. The female tab member 34B may be formed on a second surface of the first horizontal edge 301 which opposes the first surface. Securing the male tab member 34A within the female channel 34B may lock the tubular member 30 together. By pressing the tubular member 30 in an area proximate tab member 34A inwards toward the hollow interior area 32, the male tab member 34A may disengage from the female channel 34B allowing the tubular member 30 to be opened.

(24) The tubular member 30 may have an aperture 36 formed through a top end of the tubular member 30. The top end may be the end of the tubular member 30 located closest to the lace securement mechanism. The aperture 36 may be formed through the top end and into the hollow interior area 32 of the tubular member 30.

(25) The tubular member 30 may have an aperture 38 formed through a bottom end of the tubular member 30. The bottom end may be the end of the tubular member 30 located closest to the conduit 26. The aperture 38 may be formed through the bottom end and into the hollow interior area 32 of the tubular member 30.

(26) A securing mechanism 40 may be formed in the hollow interior area 32 of the tubular member 30. The securing mechanism 40 may be located proximate the aperture 36. The securing mechanism 40 may be used to secure an item placed through the aperture 36 within the hollow interior area 32 of the tubular member 30 as may be disclosed below. More specifically, an end section of a shoe lace 44 as may be shown below.

(27) The lace securement system 20 may have a strap 42. In accordance with one embodiment, the strap 42 may be elastic in nature thereby allowing the strap 42 to expand and contract in size. The strap 42 may be placed and held within the conduit 26. Each end of the strap 42 may have a cap 42A formed thereon. In accordance with one embodiment, the cap 42A may be semi-spherical in shape. The cap 42A may prevent the strap 42 from being removed from the conduit 26 and securing clasp 28 when a force is applied.

(28) In operation, each end of the shoe lace 44 may be run through a respective the lace securement mechanism on each side of the shoe 22 such that the shoe lace 44 is secured between the protrusions 5 of the two disc-shaped edges 15. Each end of the shoe lace 44 may be knotted.

(29) The securing clasp 28 on each side of the shoe 22 may be opened and each end of the shoe lace 44 may be placed within the hollow interior area 32 of the tubular member 30 so that the shoe lace 44 may run through the aperture 36. The aperture 36 may be sized to prevent the knotted end of the shoe lace 44 from slipping thorough the aperture 36 when the securing clasp 28 is closed. However, to further prevent the knotted end of the shoe lace 44 from slipping thorough the aperture 36, the securing mechanism 40 may hold the knotted end of the shoe lace 44 within the hollow interior area 32 of the tubular member 30 when the securing clasp 28 is closed.

(30) The strap 42 may be placed within the hollow interior area 32 of the tubular member 30 so that the strap 42 may run through the aperture 38 when the securing clasp 28 on each side of the shoe 22 is opened. The cap 42A may be used to keep the strap 42 within the securing clasp 28 by preventing the strap 42 from slipping thorough the aperture 38 when the securing clasp 28 is closed.

(31) As may be seen in FIG. 9, a user may pull the securing clasp 28 located on each side of the shoe 22 up and around in a clockwise manner and wraps the shoe laces 44 around the securing mechanism on each side of the shoe 22. The elastic nature of the strap 42 allows the user to pull and rotate the strap 42 which in turns pulls and tightens the shoe lace 44 within the shoe 22. Once the shoe lace 44 is at a desired tension level, the user may release the securing clasp 28. The elastic nature of the strap 42 returns the securing clasp 28 to a position proximate the side of the shoe 22. The elastic nature of the strap 42 which runs through the hollow tube and maintains the desired level of tension in the shoe lace 44 by applying pull force to each shoe lace head via the securing clasp.

(32) In view of the foregoing discussion, it may be readily understood that alternative embodiments are contemplated. Having thus described different embodiments of the invention, other variations and embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is thus not limited to any one particular embodiment, but is instead set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.