Lace ratcheting device—metal jacket

Abstract

The Lace Ratchet Device (LRD) facilitates lace fastening and release. The LRD has two states: active and inactive. In the active position the device works as a lace ratchet allowing the lace to be pulled forwards but restricting any lace motion backwards. After fastening the lace remains fastened until the LRD is switched into inactive state by manually pressing a lever. Each LRD has a turning gate rotatably installed diagonally in a channel with front end which is covered with sheet metal with sharp edge. A preloaded spring keeps the LRD in active position while the lever is not pressed. The LRD doesn't employ serrated blades which cause accelerated lace wear. Instead, the LRD's smooth front edge side and channel surfaces minimize lace wear. LRD pairs are suitable for fastening footwear and can be coupled with a clasp which locks dangling laces' front ends.

Claims

1. A ratcheting device for releasably fastening a lace, the ratcheting device comprising: a channel being configured to receive a portion of the lace therethrough; said channel further includes a gripping wall being adapted with a surface configured to engage said lace; the ratcheting device has an active state and an inactive state; wherein in said active state the ratcheting device is configured to restrict translation of the lace in the channel in a backwards direction and to facilitate translation of the lace in the channel in a forwards direction; wherein in said inactive state the ratcheting device is configured to facilitate translation of the lace both in said forwards direction and in said backwards direction; the ratcheting device further comprising: a turning gate, and a spring; the turning gate being rotationally engaged with the channel at a fulcrum, wherein the turning gate comprises a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; the turning gate is installed at a diagonal orientation with respect to the forwards direction; the front end is disposed diagonally within the channel opposite the gripping wall; wherein the lace is configured to pass through a gap between the front end and the gripping wall; wherein the front end is configured to exert a pressure force on the lace when the turning gate is turned backwards; wherein the front end is pressuring the lace against the surface of the gripping wall; wherein, the front end is configured to increase the pressure force on the lace when the turning gate is turned increasingly backwards, and the front end is configured to reduce the pressure force on the lace when the turning gate is turned increasingly forwards; at the active state, the front end is configured to exert said pressure force on the lace and the front end is configured to frictionally engage the lace and to turn forwards the turning gate when the lace is translated in said forwards direction; also, at the active state the front end is configured to frictionally engage the lace and to turn backwards the turning gate when the lace is translated in said backwards direction; wherein, forwards translation of the lace is facilitated by turning increasingly forwards the turning gate and consequently diminishing the pressure force of the front end on the lace; whereas backwards translation of the lace is restricted by turning increasingly backwards the turning gate and consequently increasing the pressure force of the front end on the lace; at the inactive state of the ratcheting device, the front end is configured not to exert said pressure force on the lace and the lace translation is facilitated both in the forwards direction and in the backwards direction; the spring is preloaded and configured to apply a backwards turning force on the turning gate causing the front end to apply said pressure force on the lace; the rear end is being configured as a lever for manually turning the turning gate forwards and diminishing the pressure force exerted by the front end on the lace; wherein, releasing the lace.

2. The ratcheting device of claim 1, wherein said fulcrum comprises an axle which is fitted in a bearing.

3. The ratcheting device of claim 1, wherein said spring is a torsion spring; wherein the torsion spring has a resilient helical wire structure with a first wire end and a second wire end; wherein said torsion spring is installed preloaded with a bias which applies said backwards turning force on the turning gate.

4. The ratcheting device of claim 1, wherein said front end comprises a tapered edge and a smooth side; wherein, the tapered edge is configured to concentrate said pressure force on the lace when the turning gate is turned backwards and the front end engages the lace; wherein, the smooth side is configured to engage the lace when the turning gate is turned forwards; wherein, the smooth side is configured to reduce said lace wear when the lace is translated in the forwards direction.

5. The ratcheting device of claim 1, wherein said front end comprises a tapered edge and a smooth side; wherein, the tapered edge is covered by a sheet metal jacket which covers the tapered edge with a metal tapered edge made of sheet metal.

6. The ratcheting device of claim 1, wherein the surface of the gripping wall comprises a smooth surface; wherein, the smooth surface is configured to reduce said lace wear when the lace is fastened at said active state and also when said lace is translated in said inactive state.

7. The ratcheting device of claim 1, wherein the ratcheting device further comprising one or more bulges disposed on the surface of the gripping wall; wherein said bulge is configured to cause an additional bending of the lace due to said pressure force; wherein, said additional bending increases a mutual friction force between the lace and the surface of the gripping wall when said front end applies said pressure force on the lace.

8. The ratcheting device of claim 1, wherein said ratcheting device further comprising a front spring support; wherein said first wire end is supported by said channel and said second wire end is supported by said turning gate.

9. A ratcheting system for releasably fastening two laces and thereby achieving a secure attachment of an article about a person or an object, the ratcheting system comprising: a first ratcheting device and a second ratcheting device; the first ratcheting device further comprising: a first lace, and a first channel being configured to receive a portion of the first lace therethrough; said first channel further includes a first gripping wall being adapted with a first surface configured to engage said first lace; the first ratcheting device has a first active state and a first inactive state; wherein in said first active state the first ratcheting device is configured to restrict translation of the first lace in the first channel in a first backwards direction and to facilitate translation of the first lace in the first channel in a first forwards direction; wherein in said first inactive state the first ratcheting device is configured to facilitate translation of the first lace both in said first forwards direction and in said first backwards direction; the first ratcheting device further comprising: a first turning gate, and a first spring; the first turning gate being rotationally engaged with the first channel at a first fulcrum, wherein the first turning gate comprises a first front end and a first rear end opposite the first front end; the first turning gate is installed at a first diagonal orientation with respect to the first forwards direction; the first front end is disposed diagonally opposite the first gripping wall within the first channel; wherein the first lace is configured to pass through a first gap between the first front end and the first gripping wall; wherein the first front end is configured to exert a first pressure force on the first lace when the first turning gate is turned first backwards; in addition, when the first turning gate is turned first backwards the first front end is pressuring the first lace against the first surface of the first gripping wall; wherein, the first front end is configured to increase the first pressure force on the first lace when the first turning gate is turned increasingly first backwards, and the first front end is configured to reduce the first pressure force on the first lace when the first turning gate is turned increasingly first forwards; at the first active state the first front end is configured to exert said first pressure force on the first lace and the first front end is configured to frictionally engage the first lace and to turn first forwards the first turning gate when the first lace is translated in said first forwards direction; also, at the first active state the first front end is configured to frictionally engage the first lace and to turn first backwards the first turning gate when the first lace is translated in said first backwards direction; wherein, the first forwards translation of the first lace is facilitated by turning increasingly forwards the first turning gate and consequently diminishing the first pressure force of the first front end on the first lace; whereas backwards translation of the first lace is restricted by turning increasingly backwards the first turning gate and consequently increasing the first pressure force of the first front end on the first lace; at the first inactive state of the first ratcheting device the first front end is configured not to exert said first pressure force on the first lace; wherein the first lace translation is facilitated both in the first forwards direction and in the first backwards direction; the first spring is preloaded and configured to apply a first backwards turning force on the first turning gate causing the first front end to apply said first pressure force on the first lace; the first rear end is being configured as a first lever for manually turning the first turning gate first forwards and diminishing the first pressure force exerted by the first front end on the first lace and releasing the first lace; the second ratcheting device further comprising: a second lace, and a second channel being configured to receive a portion of the second lace therethrough; said second channel further includes a second gripping wall being adapted with a second surface configured to engage said second lace; the second ratcheting device has a second active state and a second inactive state; wherein in said second active state the second ratcheting device is configured to restrict translation of the second lace in the second channel in a second backwards direction and to facilitate translation of the second lace in the second channel in a second forwards direction; wherein in said second inactive state the second ratcheting device is configured to facilitate translation of the second lace both in said second forwards direction and in said second backwards direction; the second ratcheting device further comprising: a second turning gate, and a second spring; the second turning gate being rotationally engaged with the second channel at a second fulcrum, wherein the second turning gate comprises a second front end and a second rear end opposite the second front end; the second turning gate is installed at a second diagonal orientation with respect to the second forwards direction; the second front end is disposed diagonally opposite the second gripping wall within the second channel; wherein the second lace is configured to pass through a second gap between the second front end and the second gripping wall; wherein the second front end is configured to exert a second pressure force on the second lace when the second turning gate is turned second backwards; in addition, when the second turning gate is turned second backwards the second front end is pressuring the second lace against the second surface of the second gripping wall; wherein, the second front end is configured to increase the second pressure force on the second lace when the second turning gate is turned increasingly second backwards, and the second front end is configured to reduce the second pressure force on the second lace when the second turning gate is turned increasingly second forwards; at the second active state the second front end is configured to exert said second pressure force on the second lace and the second front end is configured to frictionally engage the second lace and to turn second forwards the second turning gate when the second lace is translated in said second forwards direction; also, at the second active state the second front end is configured to frictionally engage the second lace and to turn second backwards the second turning gate when the second lace is translated in said second backwards direction; wherein the second forwards translation of the second lace is facilitated by turning increasingly forwards the second turning gate and consequently diminishing the second pressure force of the second front end on the second lace; whereas backwards translation of the second lace is restricted by turning increasingly backwards the second turning gate and consequently increasing the second pressure force of the second front end on the second lace; at the second inactive state of the second ratcheting device the second front end is configured not to exert said second pressure force on the second lace; wherein, the second lace translation is facilitated both in the second forwards direction and in the second backwards direction; the second spring is preloaded and configured to apply a second backwards turning force on the second turning gate causing the second front end to apply said second pressure force on the second lace; the second rear end is being configured as a second lever for manually turning the second turning gate second forwards and diminishing the second pressure force exerted by the second front end on the second lace and releasing the second lace.

10. The ratcheting system of claim 9, wherein said first fulcrum comprises a first axle which is fitted in a first bearing; wherein, said second fulcrum comprises a second axle which is fitted in a second bearing.

11. The ratcheting system of claim 9, wherein said first spring is a first torsion spring; the first torsion spring has a first resilient helical wire structure with a first front wire end and a first rear wire end; wherein said first torsion spring is installed preloaded with a first bias which is configured to apply said first backwards turning force on the first turning gate; wherein said second spring is a second torsion spring; the second torsion spring has a second resilient helical wire structure with a second front wire end and a second rear wire end; wherein said second torsion spring is installed preloaded with a second bias which is configured to apply said second backwards turning force on the second turning gate.

12. The ratcheting system of claim 9, wherein said first front end comprises a first tapered edge and a first smooth side; wherein, the first tapered edge is configured to concentrate said first pressure force on the first lace when the first turning gate is turned backwards and the first front end engages the first lace; wherein, the first smooth side is configured to engage the first lace when the first turning gate is turned forwards; wherein, the first smooth side is configured to reduce said first lace wear when the first lace is translated in the first forwards direction; wherein said second front end comprises a second tapered edge and a second smooth side; wherein, the second tapered edge is configured to concentrate said second pressure force on the second lace when the second turning gate is turned backwards and the second front end engages the second lace; wherein, the second smooth side is configured to engage the second lace when the second turning gate is turned forwards; wherein, the second smooth side is configured to reduce said second lace wear when the second lace is translated in the second forwards direction.

13. The ratcheting device of claim 9, wherein said first front end comprises a first tapered edge and a first smooth side; wherein, the first tapered edge is covered by a first sheet metal jacket which covers the first tapered edge with a first metal tapered edge made of sheet metal; wherein said second front end comprises a second tapered edge and a second smooth side; wherein, the second tapered edge is covered by a second sheet metal jacket which covers the second tapered edge with a second metal tapered edge made of sheet metal.

14. The ratcheting system of claim 9, wherein the first surface of the first gripping wall comprises a first smooth surface; wherein, the first smooth surface is configured to reduce said first lace wear when the first lace is fastened at said first active state and also when said first lace is translated in said first inactive state; wherein the second surface of the second gripping wall comprises a second smooth surface; wherein, the second smooth surface is configured to reduce said second lace wear when the second lace is fastened at said second active state and also when said second lace is translated in said second inactive state.

15. The ratcheting system of claim 9, wherein the first ratcheting device further comprises a first bulge disposed on the first surface of the first gripping wall; wherein said first bulge is configured to cause a first additional bending of the first lace due to said first pressure force on the first lace; wherein, said first additional bending is configured to increase a first mutual friction force between the first lace and the first surface when said first ratcheting device is in said first active state and said first lace is pulled in said first backwards direction; wherein the second ratcheting device further comprises a second bulge disposed on the second surface of the second gripping wall; wherein said second bulge is configured to cause a second additional bending of the second lace due to said second pressure force on the second lace; wherein, said second additional bending is configured to increase a second mutual friction force between the second lace and the second surface when said second ratcheting device is in said second active state and said second lace is pulled in said second backwards direction.

16. The ratcheting system of claim 11, wherein said first ratcheting device further comprising a first front spring support; wherein, said first front wire end is supported by said first channel and said first rear wire end is supported by said first turning gate; wherein, said second ratcheting device further comprising a second front spring support; wherein, said second front wire end is supported by said second channel and said second rear wire end is supported by said second turning gate.

17. The ratcheting system of claim 9, wherein the first channel further comprising a first top wall opposite the first gripping wall and the second channel further comprising a second top wall opposite the second gripping wall; wherein said first ratcheting device and said second ratcheting device are coupled in a parallel configuration by attaching the first gripping wall to the second gripping wall; wherein the first lever is configured to protrude from a first opening in the first top wall which is situated on a first outer side of said parallel configuration and the second lever is configured to protrude from a second opening in the second top wall which is situated opposite to the first top wall on a second outer side of said parallel configuration; wherein, having the first lever opposite to the second lever facilitates single handed manual operation.

18. The ratcheting system of claim 9, wherein said first channel further comprising: a first entry opening and a first lower side wall; the first lower side wall adjacent to the first entry opening comprises a first rear segment of the first lower side wall preceded by a first recess situated in front of said first rear segment of the first lower side wall; wherein said first lace is configured to enter said first channel via said first recess; wherein, when said first lace is fastened on a footwear, said first lace is configured to apply a first downwards force on said first recess; wherein said first downwards force is naturally countered in the opposite direction by a first reaction upwards force configured to be applied by the footwear on said first rear segment; said first downwards force and said first reaction upwards force create a first moment of force which tends to turn said first ratcheting device downwards towards said footwear; wherein, said first moment of force is configured to clutch said first ratcheting device on top of said footwear; wherein said second channel further comprising: a second entry opening and a second lower side wall; the second lower side wall adjacent to the second entry opening comprises a second rear segment of the second lower side wall preceded by a second recess situated in front of said second rear segment of the second lower side wall; wherein said second lace is configured to enter said second channel via said second recess; wherein, when said second lace is fastened on a footwear, said second lace is configured to apply a second downwards force on said second recess; wherein said second downwards force is naturally countered in the opposite direction by a second reaction upwards force configured to be applied by the footwear on said second rear segment; said second downwards force and said second reaction upwards force create a second moment of force which tends to turn said second ratcheting device downwards towards said footwear; wherein, said second moment of force is configured to clutch said second ratcheting device on top of said footwear.

19. A lace clasping device configured for clasping at least one lace end; wherein, the lace clasping device is coupled with at least one lace ratcheting device, further comprising: a clasping structure configured for housing at least one lace end; a clasping mechanism configured to switch the clasping structure from an open state to a closed state and from the closed state to the open state; wherein, in the open state the lace ends housed in the clasping structure are not clasped and can be released; wherein, in the closed state the lace ends housed in the clasping structure are clasped and tied to the clasping structure; wherein the clasping structure comprising: two opposite sets of fitting wedges, which can be switched by the clasping mechanism from the open state to the closed state and from the closed state to the open state; wherein, in the open state the opposite sets of fitting wedges are separated and the lace ends housed in the clasping structure are not clasped and can be released; wherein, in the closed state the opposite sets of fitting wedges are not separated and pressed one against the other and the lace ends housed in the clasping structure are clasped and tied to the clasping structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a 3D isometric drawing of the parts of an embodiment of a disassembled two joined LRDs (Lace Ratcheting Devices) in a parallel configuration. The joined LRDs are coupled with a lace clasp which ties the loose front ends of the laces. The parts' orientations correspond to their actual orientations in the assembled LRDs' parallel configuration.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a 3D isometric drawing of the turning gate, the turning gate's sheet metal jacket and the rivet which serves as the axle for the turning gate and also couples the turning gate's sheet metal jacket to the front end of the turning gate.

(3) FIG. 3 describes in a 3D isometric drawing, the two joined channels of the LRD's parallel configuration. To display all the features of the LRD it is shown without the clasp.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates in a 3D isometric drawing, the LRD's turning gate, a cross section of the LRD's turning gate and the turning gate's sheet metal jacket.

(5) FIG. 5 depicts in a 3D isometric drawing, a cross section of an assembled parallel configuration of two LRDs in an inactive state in which the turning gates are not pressuring the laces in the channels. The drawing includes all the parts of the LRD parallel configuration and also two laces which are passing through the two parallel channels in released state. In order to illustrate the inner workings of the LRD mechanism FIG. 5 is simplified and the clasp is not included in FIG. 5.

(6) FIG. 6 shows in a 3D isometric drawing, a cross section of an assembled parallel configuration of two LRDs in an active state in which the turning gates are pressuring the laces in the channels. The drawing includes all the parts of the parallel configuration and also two laces which are passing through the two parallel channels in restricted state. In order to illustrate the inner workings of the LRD mechanism FIG. 6 is simplified and the clasp is not included in FIG. 6.

(7) FIG. 7 shows in a 3D isometric drawing a cross section of an assembled parallel configuration of two LRDs in an active state in which the turning gates are pressuring the laces in the channels. The drawing includes all the parts of the parallel configuration and also two laces which are passing through the two parallel channels in restricted state. The two laces loop backwards and are tied at the clasp which is attached behind to the LRDs.

(8) FIG. 8 shows in a 3D isometric drawing of an assembled parallel configuration of two LRDs in an active state in which the turning gates are pressuring the laces in the channels. The drawing includes all the parts of the parallel configuration and also two laces which are passing through the two parallel channels in a restricted state. The two laces loop backwards and are tied at the clasp which is attached behind to the LRDs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(9) FIG. 1 illustrates a 3D isometric drawing of the parts of an embodiment of a disassembled two joined LRDs (Lace Ratcheting Devices) in a parallel configuration 1. The joined LRDs are coupled with a lace clasp which ties the loose front ends of the laces. The parts' orientations correspond to their actual orientations in the assembled LRDs' parallel configuration. The two joint channels of the RLDs in parallel configuration 1 are depicted in FIG. 1 in which the apertures 8 which serve a bearings for the axles 4 are denoted both on the joint channels 1 and on the two turning gates 2. The turning gates 2 have tapered front ends 18 and rear ends 17 which are used for manual release of the laces. The front end of the turning gate 18 also has a smooth side 19 on which the lace slides when it is translated forwards i.e. the direction from the inlet openings 13 to the outlet openings 5. The openings 9 in the turning gates 2 and also in the metal jackets 3 are needed for extending outside the spring's 7 arm which provides frontal support to the turning gate 2. The two outlet openings 5 of the joint channels are shown in FIGS. 3,5,6,7 whereas the two inlet openings 13 are denoted in FIG. 1. The openings 13 are used as recesses for laces' entry while the clamp 23 is used as a rear segment which receives upwards reaction force to the laces pressing downwards force on recesses 13. The clasp 23 which serves also as a rear segment 23 receives reaction force from the footwear below and generates together with recesses 13 a moment force. The moment force turns the LRD's channels downwards towards the top surface of the footwear and keeps the LRD's parallel configuration flat on top of the footwear. The apertures 8 are also denoted on the sheet metal jacket 3 where they are used to anchor the metal jacket 3 to the turning gate 2 by inserting the axles 4 into apertures 8. The turning gate's tapered front end 18 is covered by the metal jacket 3 which protects and sharpens the tapered front end 18 by replacing it with the metal jacket's sharp front end 6. The springs 7 also are mounted on the axles 4. More detailed depictions of all these parts are included in the following figures. The clasp 23 is coupled to the LRDs at their rear end is used to clasp together the loose ends (lace tips) of the laces 14 (shown as 28 in FIGS. 7,8). The clasp 23 includes four sharp wedges 27 which are installed in alternate arrangement such that they leave very narrow passages when the cover 26 is installed. This ensures that the lace tips are tightly clasped when the cover 26 is installed inside the clasp's housing 23. The cover has two side wedges 24 which when inserted into a pair of mating slots 29 secure the cover 26 firmly inside the clasp's housing 23.

(10) FIG. 2 shows a 3D isometric drawing of the turning gate 2, the turning gate's sheet metal jacket 3 and the rivet 4 which serves as an axle for the turning gate and also attaches the turning gate's sheet metal jacket to the front end 18 of the turning gate 2 by inserting the rivet 4 into the apertures 8 of the metal jacket 3 and also into the turning gate 2. The turning gate's tapered front end 18 is covered by the metal jacket 3 which protects and sharpens the tapered front end 18 by replacing it with the metal jacket's sharp front end 6. The front end 18 also has a smooth side 19 which facilitates smooth lace sliding. The turning gate 2 has also a rear end 17 which is used for manual lace releasing by deactivating the LRD. The turning gate 2 has a cavity 11 which is configured to house the spring 7 (shown in FIG. 1). In order to hold the spring 7 more firmly during installment, it is being seated on the cone 10 which has the aperture 8 at its center. The opening 9 in the cavity 11 is configured to allow the spring's 7 arm to extend outside the turning gate and to provide frontal support to the turning gate 2. The support 12 is used to strengthen the cavity 11 walls.

(11) FIG. 3 describes in a 3D isometric drawing, the two joined channels of the LRD's parallel configuration. In order to display all the features of the LRD it is shown without the clasp 23. The outlet openings 5 of the joint channels are shown in FIG. 3 whereas the inlet openings 13 also are denoted in FIG. 3. The openings 13 are used as recesses for laces' entry while the protrusion 15 which is attached with the clasp 23 is used as a rear segment which creates a moment force when the fastened laces are pressed against the recesses 13. The moment force turns the LRD's parallel channels downwards towards the top surface of the footwear and keeps the LRD's parallel configuration flat on top of the footwear. The apertures 8 serve as bearings for the axles 4 (shown in FIGS. 1, 2). The gripping wall 16 is also shown. The top wall 20 which is opposite the gripping wall 16 is used to provide frontal support to the spring 7. The lower side wall 21 includes the recesses 13 for the laces' entries. The apertures 8 in the upper side wall 22 and in the lower side wall 21 serve as the main bearings for the axles 4. The laces outlets 5 are also denoted in FIG. 3.

(12) FIG. 4 illustrates in a 3D isometric drawing, the LRD's turning gate 2, a cross section of the LRD's turning gate 2 and the turning gate's sheet metal jacket 3. When installed, the turning gate's tapered front end 18 is covered by the metal jacket 3 which protects and sharpens the tapered front end 18 by replacing it with the metal jacket's front end 6. The front end 18 also has a smooth side 19 which facilitates smooth lace sliding. The turning gate 2 has also a rear end 17 which is used for manual lace releasing by deactivating the LRD. The turning gate 2 has a cavity 11 which is configured to house the spring 7 (shown in FIG. 1). In order to hold the spring 7 more firmly during installment, it is being seated on the cone 10 which has the aperture 8 at its center. The opening 9 in the cavity 11 is configured to allow the spring's 7 arm extend outside the turning gate 2 and provide frontal support for the turning gate 2. The support 12 is used to strengthen the cavity 11 walls.

(13) FIG. 5 depicts in a 3D isometric drawing, a cross section of an assembled parallel configuration of two LRDs in an inactive state in which the turning gates 2 are not pressuring the laces 14 in the channels. FIG. 5 includes all the parts of the LRDs' parallel configuration and also two laces 14 which are passing through the two parallel channels 1 in a released state. In order to illustrate the inner workings of the LRDs mechanism FIG. 5 is simplified and the clasp 23 is not included in FIG. 5. The two joint channels of the LRDs in parallel configuration 1 are depicted in FIG. 5, in which the apertures 8 which serve a bearings for the axles 4 (shown in FIGS. 1,2) are shown both on the joint channels 1 and on the two turning gates 2. The turning gates 2 have tapered front ends 18 and rear ends 17 which are used for manual release of the laces. The front end 18 also has a smooth side 19 which facilitates smooth lace sliding. The laces 14 also can slide along the smooth surface 16 of the gripping wall. The openings 9 in the turning gates 2 and also in the metal jackets 3 are needed for extending outside the spring's 7 arm which finds at the upper wall 20 a frontal support to the turning gate 2. The outlet openings 5 of the joint channels are shown in FIG. 5 whereas the inlet openings 13 also are denoted in FIG. 5. The openings 13 are used as recesses for laces' entry while the protrusion 15 which is coupled with the clasp 23 (shown in FIGS. 7,8) is used as a rear segment which creates a moment force when the fastened laces 14 are pressed against the recesses 13 in the lower side wall 21. The moment force turns the LRD's channels downwards towards the top surface of the footwear and keeps the LRD's parallel configuration flat on top of the footwear. The turning gate's tapered front end 18 is covered by the metal jacket 3 which shields and sharpens the tapered front end 18 by replacing it with the metal jacket's sharp front end 6. The springs 7 also are mounted on the axles 4. The two turning gates 2 are shown in cross section in FIGS. 5,6,7. This allows to show the springs 7, the spring openings 9 and the cavities support 12.

(14) FIG. 5 also shows a cross sectional 3D isometric drawing of the turning gate 2, The turning gate 2 has also a rear end 17 which is used for manual lace releasing by deactivating the LRD. In FIG. 5 the rear ends 17 are pressed and deactivate the LRD and therefore the laces 14 are in a released state. The turning gate 2 has a cavity 11 which is configured to house the spring 7. The opening 9 in the cavity 11 is configured to allow the spring's 7 arm extend outside the turning gate 2 to provide frontal support to the turning gate 2 at the upper wall 20 which is opposite the gripping wall 16. The support 12 is used to strengthen the cavity 11 walls.

(15) FIG. 6 shows in a 3D isometric drawing, a cross section of an assembled parallel configuration of two LRDs 1 in an active state in which the turning gates 2 are pressuring the laces 14 in the channels. FIG. 6 includes all the parts of the parallel configuration and also two laces 14 which are passing through the two parallel channels in a restricted state because the LRD is in active state. In order to illustrate the inner workings of the LRDs mechanism FIG. 6 is simplified and the clasp 23 is not included in FIG. 6.

(16) The two joint channels of the RLDs in parallel configuration 1 are depicted in FIG. 6, in which the apertures 8 which serve a bearings for the axles 4 (shown in FIGS. 1,2) are shown both on the joint channels 1 and on the two turning gates 2. The turning gates 2 (shown as cross sections) have tapered front ends 18 and rear ends 17 which are used for manual release of the laces. The front ends 18 also have smooth sides 19 which facilitate smooth lace sliding. The laces 14 can also slide along the smooth surface 16 of the gripping wall. The openings 9 in the turning gates 2 and also in the metal jackets 3 are needed for extending outside the spring's 7 arm, which provides frontal support to the turning gates 2 at the upper walls 20. The outlet openings 5 of the joint channels are shown in FIG. 6 whereas the inlet openings 13 also are denoted in FIG. 7. The openings 13 are used as recesses of the lower side wall 21, for laces' entry while the protrusion 15 which is coupled with the clasp 23 (shown in FIGS. 7,8) is used as a rear segment which creates a moment force when the fastened laces 14 are pressed against the recesses 13. The moment force turns the LRD's channels downwards towards the top surface of the footwear and keeps the LRD's parallel configuration flat on top of the footwear. The turning gate's tapered front end 18 is covered by the metal jacket 3 (also shown in cross sectional view) which protects and sharpens the tapered front end 18 by replacing it with the metal jacket's front end 6. FIG. 6 shows the LRD in active state in which the front ends 6 are pressuring the laces 14 against the gripping wall 16 and restrict their motion backwards i.e. from left to right in FIG. 6. When the laces 14 are pulled forwards they slide smoothly with minimum wear while engaging with the smooth sides 19 of the front ends 18 and also engaging the smooth surface of the gripping wall 16. The springs 7 also are mounted on the axles 4.

(17) FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional 3D isometric drawing of the turning gate 2, The turning gate 2 has also a rear end 17 which is used for manual lace releasing by deactivating the LRD. In FIG. 7 the rear end 17 is not pressed and therefore activates the LRDs and the front ends 6 pressurize the laces 14 against the gripping walls 16 and the laces 14 are in restricted states. The turning gate 2 has a cavity 11 which is configured to house the spring 7. The opening 9 in the cavity 11 is configured to allow the spring's 7 arm extend outside the turning gate 2 to provide frontal support to the turning gate 2 at the top wall 20. The support 12 is used to strengthen the cavity 11 walls.

(18) FIG. 7 shows in a 3D isometric drawing, a cross section of an assembled parallel configuration of two LRDs 1 in an active state in which the turning gates 2 are pressuring the laces 14 in the channels. FIG. 7 includes all the parts of the parallel configuration and also two laces 14 which are passing through the two parallel channels in a restricted state because the LRD is in active state. In order to illustrate the inner workings of the LRDs mechanism clasp 23 is also included in FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIGS. 7,8 the front loose ends of laces 14 loop backwards underneath the parallel RLDs configuration 1 and the laces' loose front ends 28 arrive at the bottom of the clasp 23 which is coupled with the parallel configuration of the parallel configuration of the RLDs 1 at its rear end. The clasp 23 which is coupled to the LRDs at their rear end is used to clasp together the lace tips i.e. the loose ends of the laces 14 (shown as 28 in FIGS. 7,8). The clasp 23 includes four sharp wedges 27 which are installed in alternate arrangement such that they leave very narrow passages when the cover 26 is installed. This ensures that the lace tips are tightly clasped when the cover 26 is installed inside the clasp's housing 23. The cover has two side wedges 24 which when inserted into a pair of mating slots 29 secure the cover 26 firmly inside the clasp's housing 23. Initially, before engaging with the LRDs' parallel configuration 1, the two laces 14 exit from the footwear at exits 25.

(19) The two joint channels of the RLDs in parallel configuration 1 are depicted in FIG. 7, in which the apertures 8 which serve a bearings for the axles 4 (shown in FIGS. 1,2) are shown both on the joint channels 1 and on the two turning gates 2. The turning gates 2 (shown as cross sections) have tapered front ends 18 and rear ends 17 which are used for manual release of the laces. The front ends 18 also have smooth sides 19 which facilitate smooth lace sliding. The laces 14 can also slide along the smooth surface 16 of the gripping wall. The openings 9 in the turning gates 2 and also in the metal jackets 3 are needed for extending outside the spring's 7 arm, which provides frontal support to the turning gates 2 at the upper walls 20. The outlet openings 5 of the joint channels are shown in FIG. 7 whereas the inlet openings 13 also are denoted in FIG. 7. The openings 13 are used as recesses of the lower side wall 21 for laces' entry while the protrusion 15 which is coupled with the clasp 23 (shown in FIGS. 7,8) is used as a rear segment which creates a moment force when the fastened laces 14 are pressed against the recesses 13. The moment force turns the LRD's channels downwards towards the top surface of the footwear and keeps the LRD's parallel configuration flat on top of the footwear. The turning gate's tapered front end 18 is covered by the metal jacket 3 (also shown in cross sectional view) which protects and sharpens the tapered front end 18 by replacing it with the metal jacket's front end 6. FIG. 7 shows the LRD in active state in which the front ends 6 are pressuring the laces 14 against the gripping wall 16 and restrict their motion backwards i.e. from left to right in FIG. 7 while allowing the laces to move forwards i.e. from right to left in FIG. 7. When the laces 14 are pulled forwards they slide smoothly with minimum wear while engaging with the smooth sides 19 of the front ends 18 and also engaging the smooth surface of the gripping wall 16. The springs 7 also are mounted on the axles 4.

(20) FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional 3D isometric drawing of the turning gate 2, The turning gate 2 has also a rear end 17 which is used for manual lace releasing by deactivating the LRD. In FIG. 7 the rear end 17 is not pressed and therefore activates the LRDs and the front ends 6 pressurize the laces 14 against the gripping walls 16 and the laces 14 are in restricted states. The turning gate 2 has a cavity 11 which is configured to house the spring 7. The opening 9 in the cavity 11 is configured to allow the spring's 7 arm extend outside the turning gate 2 to provide frontal support to the turning gate 2 at the top wall 20. The support 12 is used to strengthen the cavity 11 walls.

(21) FIG. 8 shows in a 3D isometric drawing, an assembled parallel configuration of two LRDs 1 in an active state in which the turning gates 2 are pressuring the laces 14 in the channels. FIG. 8 includes all the parts of the parallel configuration and also two laces 14 which are passing through the two parallel channels in a restricted state because the LRD is in active state. In order to illustrate the inner workings of the LRDs mechanism clasp 23 is also included in FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIGS. 7,8 the front loose ends of laces 14 loop backwards underneath the parallel RLDs configuration 1 and the laces' loose front ends i.e. lace tips of laces 28 arrive at the bottom of the clasp 23 which is coupled with the parallel configuration of the parallel configuration of the RLDs 1 at its rear end. The clasp 23 which is coupled to the LRDs at their rear end is used to clasp together the loose front ends of the laces 14 (shown as 28 in FIGS. 7,8). The clasp 23 includes four sharp wedges 27 which are installed in alternate arrangement (two wedges opposite to the other two in each side) such that they leave very narrow passages when the cover 26 is installed. This ensures that the lace tips are tightly clasped when the cover 26 is installed inside the clasp's housing 23. The cover has two side wedges 24 which when inserted into a pair of mating slots 29 in the clasp's housing 23 secure the cover 26 firmly inside the clasp's housing 23. Initially, before engaging with the LRDs' parallel configuration 1, the two laces 14 exit from the footwear at exits 25.

(22) The two joint channels of the RLDs in parallel configuration 1 are depicted in FIG. 8, in which the apertures 8 which serve a bearings for the axles 4 (shown in FIGS. 1,2) are shown on the joint channels 1. The turning gates 2 have rear ends 17 which are used for manual release of the laces. The inlet openings 13 also are denoted in FIG. 8. The openings 13 are used as recesses of the lower side wall 21 for laces' entry while the protrusion 15 which is coupled with the clasp 23 (shown in FIGS. 7,8) is used as a rear segment which creates a moment force when the fastened laces 14 are pressed against the recesses 13. The moment force turns the LRD's channels downwards towards the top surface of the footwear and keeps the LRD's parallel configuration flat on top of the footwear. FIG. 8 shows the LRD in active state in which the front ends 6 are pressuring the laces 14 against the gripping wall 16 and restrict their motion backwards i.e. from left to right in FIG. 8 while allowing the laces to move forwards i.e. from right to left in FIG. 8. When the laces 14 are pulled forwards they slide smoothly with minimum wear while engaging with the smooth sides 19 of the front ends 18 and also engaging the smooth surface of the gripping wall 16.

(23) FIG. 8 shows a 3D isometric drawing of the turning gate 2, The turning gate 2 has a rear end 17 which is used for manual lace releasing by deactivating the LRD. In FIG. 8 the rear end 17 is not pressed and therefore activates the LRDs and the front ends 6 pressurize the laces 14 against the gripping walls 16 and the laces 14 are in restricted states.